Blue Moon, Harvest Moon: What’s the Difference?

What is a ‘Blue Moon’?

New moon twice in one month

Full moon twice in one month

Moon closest to Earth

Harvest moon

A ‘Blue Moon’ is the term used when there is a second full moon in a single calendar month. This is a relatively rare event, leading to the phrase “once in a blue moon” to denote rare occurrences.

Which lunar phase is celebrated during Diwali in India?

New Moon

Full Moon

First Quarter

Last Quarter

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, coincides with the new moon phase, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

What is a ‘Black Moon’?

Two new moons in one month

No full moons in one month

Lunar eclipse moon

New moon not visible from Earth

A ‘Black Moon’ can refer to a second new moon occurring in a single calendar month, an unusual event since typically each lunar phase occurs only once a month.

Which culture believes eclipses occur due to a cosmic dog?

Chinese

Norse

Vietnamese

Mayan

In Vietnamese culture, a mythical cosmic dog bites the moon during an eclipse, causing its temporary disappearance.

What phase is the moon in during a ‘Supermoon’?

New Moon

Full Moon

Waxing Crescent

Waning Gibbous

A ‘Supermoon’ occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon being exceptionally close to Earth in its orbit, appearing larger and brighter than usual.

What does a ‘Harvest Moon’ refer to?

New moon in autumn

Last full moon of summer

Closest full moon to the autumn equinox

First full moon in October

The ‘Harvest Moon’ is the name given to the full moon occurring closest to the autumn equinox, traditionally aiding farmers with extra light during harvest time.

Which lunar phase is important for Ramadan?

First Quarter

Full Moon

New Moon

Third Quarter

Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, which is the first visible sliver of the new moon, marking the start of the month in the Islamic lunar calendar.

What is a ‘Wet Moon’?

Moon during rainy season

Moon’s orientation appears horizontal

Moon fully covered by Earth’s shadow

Moon during ocean tides

A ‘Wet Moon’ occurs when the moon’s orientation relative to the horizon is such that the crescent appears to cradle water, most visible in tropical regions near the equator.

In which event does the moon turn red?

Solar Eclipse

Lunar Eclipse

Blue Moon

Supermoon

During a lunar eclipse, the Earth is between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the moon. The red color comes from Earth’s atmosphere bending sunlight into the shadow.

What cultural belief is associated with the ‘Milk Moon’?

Sign of famine

Time for planting

Time for harvest

Time for weddings

The ‘Milk Moon’, another name for the full moon of May, is associated in some cultures with the blossoming of May flowers and historically considered an auspicious time for weddings.

What is the ‘Wolf Moon’ named after?

Animal sounds in winter

Predators visible in snow

Native American name for January

Full moon after December

The ‘Wolf Moon’ is the traditional name for the full moon in January, originating from Native American and colonial folklore where wolves were said to howl more during this time of year.

What is a ‘Blood Moon’ primarily known for?

Its deep blue hue

Its bright appearance

Its red color during eclipse

Occurs every 50 years

A ‘Blood Moon’ is best known for its dramatic reddish appearance during a total lunar eclipse when the moon passes through the Earth’s shadow.

What cultural significance does the Harvest Moon have in East Asia?

Marks the new year

Celebrates the moon’s beauty

Signifies harvest celebration

Is considered unlucky

In East Asian cultures, the Harvest Moon signifies the beginning of the harvest season and is celebrated with festivals such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, where mooncakes are commonly eaten.

What does the term ‘Micromoon’ refer to?

Largest visible full moon

Smallest visible full moon

Most distant point in orbit

Moon fully covered by Earth’s shadow

A ‘Micromoon’ refers to when a full moon or a new moon coincides with the point in its orbit farthest from Earth, making it appear smaller than usual.

What lunar event is associated with the ‘Cherry Moon’?

Blossoming of cherry blossoms

Harvest time

Summer solstice

First moon of spring

The ‘Cherry Moon’ often coincides with the season of cherry blossoms, particularly noted in regions where these trees are indigenous and culturally significant.

What is the traditional significance of the ‘Snow Moon’?

Named after snowfall in February

Signifies the start of spring

End of the harvest season

A time for fasting

The ‘Snow Moon’ is another name for the full moon in February, traditionally named so due to the typically heavy snowfall during this month in many Northern Hemisphere regions.

During which moon is the Japanese Tsukimi festival celebrated?

New Moon

Full Moon

Waxing Gibbous

Waning Gibbous

The Tsukimi or ‘Moon Viewing’ festival in Japan is celebrated during the full moon in September or October, where offerings are made to the moon to celebrate the harvest season.

What phase does the ‘Ring of Fire’ solar eclipse occur?

New Moon

Full Moon

First Quarter

Last Quarter

A ‘Ring of Fire’ solar eclipse occurs during the new moon phase when the moon is too far from Earth to completely cover the sun, leaving a bright, visible ring.

What is special about the ‘Honey Moon’?

Occurs in June

Marks the start of winter

Signifies planting season

Is a rare blue-colored moon

The ‘Honey Moon’ traditionally occurs in June and is named for its tendency to have a warm, amber tint, which may be due to its low position in the sky or atmospheric conditions.