Mystery Sky Photography

Power of One

A blue moon occurs once in every 2.72 years. It is a full moon that cycles twice in a 29.53 day period within the same month; thereby, calling the second full moon a ... blue moon... At the end of the first decade in our new century, the month of December gave us a blue moon on the last two days. The last blue moon was in May, 2007; while the next, will occur in August, 2012. A blue moon is not really 'blue' in color. Although from our neighborhood on the night of December 30, we had a thin cloud covering over the moon that seemed to display a blue moon. This effect is generally caused by a terrestrial disturbance, which creates the illusion of the moon being blue. The phenomenon is rare; thus, the term 'Once in a Blue Moon' was coined for those times when we experience an occurrence that is rare or unexpected.

In my corner of the world, I had one of those rare blue moon opportunities on the eve of the new decade. I sensed something special was waiting for my camera's eye; and, I knew it was connected to the blue moon phenomenon. Upon review of my blue moon shots from both nights, one in particular stood out bold and clear. As I present it here for you to view, notice the orb's intricate design. Often, the moon is referred in writings as akin to the feminine side of life. To me though, the occurrence of a blue moon denotes masculine attributes. In that vein, I see the orb wearing a white dress of delicate lace to lure the blue moon into its charms. Sir Blue Moon and Lady Orb appear to be in an enchanting dance, in celebration of the decade's close and the beginning of another. I felt blessed to have captured this rare blue moon phenomenon, as it enjoyed the celestial dance with the lovely orb. Thus, I titled the photograph:

The colors portrayed in these photographs, reflect the raw image without cyber enhancements, except through the tools of digital contrast and brightness.