Mars to dazzle night sky next to a Blue Moon

Tonight’s full moon will be third of four full moons this spring between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, which makes the full moon a “Blue Moon,” according to skylore.

The most popular definition of a Blue Moon has been the second of two full moons in the same calendar month. However, this weekend’s full moon will not be the second one in May, nor will it appear blue because that is only caused by rare atmospheric conditions.

The moon turns full at 5:14 p.m. today. Although the full moon happens at the same moment worldwide, our clocks read differently by time zone. Astronomically speaking, the moon is full when it’s most directly opposite the sun for the month.

And as an even more special treat, the bright red star next to the moon is actually not a star — that will be the planet Mars! Both will be visible in the eastern sky if the clouds can clear this evening.

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