A rare "blue moon" is pictured in Los Angeles, the United States, on Jan. 1, 2010. A "blue moon" is a full moon that is not timed to the regular monthly pattern. Most years have twelve full moons which occur approximately monthly, but the blue moon occurs every two or three years (7 times in the 19-year Metonic cycle) with the extra days accumulated in solar calendar compared with lunar cycles. (Xinhua/Qi Heng) 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