The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

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Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:44 PM

FAITH: Easter's Blue Moon A Message From Heaven

During the days leading up to Easter, the most sacred day in Christianity, the heavens have been presenting a stunning light show.

We are able to see five planets with the naked eye: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. And Saturday night – just hours before Easter sunrise services – we are being treated to a blue moon. That’s the name given to the second full moon in a month, something that happens roughly every 2.7 years

Moreover, this Easter’s blue moon is extra special, because it is the second one this year. The next time two blue moons occur in one year will be 2037.


There’s no denying the Bible commonly associates major events with anomalous astronomical and meteorological upheavals. But as a scientist and Christian, I’m always wary about giving too much importance to celestial signs and wonders. I certainly don’t believe in astrology.

That said, the astonishing celestial fireworks brightening this year’s Holy Week inspire me in three ways.

First, they remind me that if people are truly seeking evidence for God’s existence – including atheists, many of whom claim no such evidence exists – they only need to look up at the night sky. As it says in Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

It is certainly possible to explain the universe without any reference to a creator; but it’s like enjoying a sumptuous meal without giving any credit to the chef. Today, in an effort to avoid mentioning a creator, scientists are having to believe in unobservable notions such as imaginary time, 11-dimensional cosmologies, and quantum reservoirs that are at once nothing and everything.

How are these any less far-out than believing historical accounts that Jesus existed and rose from the dead?

Second, this week’s eye-popping events remind me that Christianity is the most inclusive and egalitarian religion imaginable. Just as the splendors of the night sky can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere, without any viewing aids, Christians believe God’s love is freely available to anyone, anywhere, without the need of a privileged pedigree, guru, or some exemplary amount of karma.

As explained in the book of Ephesians, “it is by grace you have been saved, through faith … not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Finally, the extraordinary celestial light show that we are in the midst of reminds me that our solar system offers a perfect metaphor for how we are to behave toward one another.

Absent the sun, absent God, we are as dark as the far side of the moon. But just as the desolate, gray lunar surface is able to reflect the light of the sun, we are made to reflect God’s love in the world.

So look up at the night sky and drink in its deep, inspiring message: This Easter, the creator of the universe is calling on all of us – Christian and non-Christian alike – to shine brightly with kindness and compassion and not just once in a blue moon, but every day we are alive.

Stargazers, get your binoculars ready: a blue moon will grace the sky this weekend, marking the end of what has been a breathtaking month.

A "worm moon" rose on March 1, and a rare parade of planets, including Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Mercury and Venus along with the bright star Antares, lit the sky from March 7 through March 11.

Now, it's time for the blue moon, also known as a "paschal" moon – the first official moon in spring, to shine.

Here's what you need to know about March's full moons – the "worm moon" and the "blue moon" – and the parade of planets that put on a show during the first week of March.

The term "blue moon" has been around since the 1940s. The name is simply used to distinct the full moon as the second to appear within a calendar month.

Full moons aren't exactly rare. They occur, on average, every 29.53 days (12.37 times per year), Space.com reported. But to catch a glimpse of one twice in one month is a special treat. It only happens every three years or so.

It's even more special to spot two blue moons in one year.

There's almost always a full moon in February. In fact, the month is only without a full moon every 19 years.

"The last time February didn't have a full moon was in 1999, and the time before that was 1980," Space.com reported. "The next time there will be no full moon in February will be 2037."

Because February only had 28 days, this year's full moon carried over to March, confirming the March 31 full moon would be a "blue" one.

It is possible for the full moon to have a blue hue, but it's not likely.

"Most blue moons look pale gray and white, indistinguishable from any other moon you've ever seen," NASA says. "Squeezing a second full moon into a calendar month doesn't change the physical properties of the moon itself, so the color remains the same."