Once In a Blue Moon......

Although the full moon that you'll see on Aug. 31, 2012, will look like an ordinary full moon, it will actually be a Blue Moon.

What is a Blue Moon? The most common definition of a blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month. For a blue moon to occur the first of the full moons must appear at or near the beginning of the month so that the second will fall within the same month (the average span between two moons is 29.5 days). The full Moon on Aug. 31, 2012, will be this type of blue moon; it will be the second full moon in one month.

How often does a Blue Moon occur? Over the next 20 years there will be about 15 blue moons. No blue moon of any kind will occur in the years 2014, and 2017. The more recent phenomenon, where the blue moon is considered to be the second full moon in a calendar month, last occurred on December 31, 2009. Two full moons in one month may occur in any month out of the year except for February, which is shorter than the lunar cycle.

The rare phenomenon of two blue moons occurring in the same year happens approximately once every 19 years. 1999 was the last time a blue moon appeared twice, in January and March. The months of the double blue moons are almost always January and March. That is because the short month that falls in between them, February, is a key ingredient in this once-every-19-year phenomenon. For January and March to each have two full moons, it's necessary for February to have none at all. Since February is usually 28 days long, and the average span between full moons is 29.5 days, if a full moon occurs at the end of January, it's possible for the next full moon to skip February entirely and fall in the beginning of March.

"Blue Moon" appears to have been an expression long before it developed its calendar meaning. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first reference to a blue moon comes from a proverb recorded in 1528:"If they say the moon is blue, we must believe that it is true." In the 19th century, the phrase until a blue moon developed, meaning "never." The phrase, once in a blue moon today has come to mean "every now and then" or "rarely."

We invite you to visit our website (www.underoneumbrella.com) and view all of the variety of styles and colors from which to choose from...including different shades of...blue, or white, or gray (depending on the season, day of the month or year we are in!).

"Blue moon

You saw me standing alone

Without a dream in my heart

Without a love of my own" - Elvis Presley

Shooting Stars Event on August 10/11,11/12 &12/13.

 Meteor showers are some of the most popular skywatching events each year. The Perseid Meteor shower (expected to be visible from August 11-13) will be more impressive this year than last year.

A meteor shower occurs when Earth travels through specks of debris from comets or asteroids. These pieces of dust and debris hit Earth's atmosphere at scorching speeds and disintegrate in flashes of light. This is why meteors are often called "shooting stars," because of the way they streak across the sky.

So, what is the best way to watch a meteor shower?

The key is to have a dark sky. For urban skywatchers, this means getting as far away from dense city centers and light pollution as you can. Ideal conditions for viewing a meteor shower include a clear, unclouded night sky with little to no natural moonlight. This year, the Perseid Meteor Shower falls right between two full moons, cooperating for meteor shower viewing enthusiasts.

It's also important to dress appropriately for the occasion, so be sure to bundle up for the cold overnight temperatures – it’s usually best to watch after midnight. Pack a blanket, compass (look towards the NORTHEAST sky), bug spray, and snacks. Mittens or gloves and a warm hat are also a good idea for those who feel the cold at night. Planning a camping trip at this time is a great option!

Then, prepare to exercise a little patience. NASA astronomers advise watching for at least half an hour. While some displays can showcase meteors at rates of up to 100 per hour, others will take a little more time. Use your naked eyes. When watching a meteor shower, there's no need to use a telescope or binoculars because they will limit the amount of sky you can see at one time. Pick a dark patch of the sky, but don't necessarily fixate on one specific spot.

We at Under One Umbrella are also unique shooting stars. Come and visit our website at www.underoneumbrella.com  Do not be worried...“The sky is not falling” (Thomas Leonard)...go ahead and “create your own visual style….let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.”(Orson Welles)...because "Fashion is not something that exist in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the streets; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” (Coco Chanel).

Olympics…an Umbrella?

Olympics…an Umbrella?

Rain. Everyone interested in the Olympic Games in London been worried about the forecast. We all know that London is considered the “rainy city” of Europe. Rain and fog have always synonymous with London. How many times did we see a delay in the Wimbledon Tennis Championships? Over recent years, whenever play affected or even washed out entirely by rain it produced an inevitable outpouring of frustration. In 2009, Wimbledon finally got its act together and unveiled a roof on Centre Court.

But is this criticism of London warranted? Maybe not…

Although London is thought of as being a "rainy" city, Zurich, Switzerland receives almost twice as much precipitation as London (42.3 to 23.3 inches). As a comparison, Miami receives 62 inches of rain per year. London is among the driest of Europe's capitals. Most of this reputation comes from the fact that rain is lightly spread out along the whole year (“it’s ALWAYS RAINING in London…”) versus torrential downpours (“it’s ALWAYS POURING in Miami…”). London averages only 13 thunderstorm days. On the other hand, London is the 3^rd rainiest city in Europe receiving rain 226 days out of the year.

London also has a reputation for having the ability to be sunny and raining at the same time. Not only can you experience getting wet, but you are also threatened by the possibility of sunburn!

London also has more “Pubs” than any other city in Europe…with outside seating…similar to South Beach, Coconut Grove, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach with the trendy restaurants and cafes. And those outside seating areas need protection from the rain and sun. Visit www.underonembrella.com for all of your outside umbrella needs.


"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." Anthony J. D'Angelo