The sunset is reflected on the wing of a commercial airliner as the full moon rises over clouds in the horizon over Athens December 31, 2009. For only the second time in nearly two decades, Earth is illuminated by a "Blue Moon," the name given to the second full moon appearing in a single month.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

Blue moon to shine over parts on New Year's eve

    BEIJING, Dec. 31 (Xinhuanet)-- Revelers ushering in the New Year of 2010 in many parts of the world will be treated with a so-called "blue moon" -- the second full moon in a month if the skies are clear.

    The term “blue moon” has nothing to do with the color of the moon. The name reflects the relative rarity of two full moons in a month and is linked to the saying "once in a blue moon." Full story

Blue moon to greet 2010

    BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- The last night of 2009 will boast December's second full moon, otherwise known as a blue moon, but New Year's Eve revelers won't be able to see it, according to U.S. media reports Tuesday.

   For one thing, it won't really be blue. Full story