Happy Friday the 13th!

Friday the 13th isn't particularly rare by itself, we usually see it happen 1-3 times a year.  It happened twice in 2013, once in 2014, and will happen three times in 2015.  There are a abundance of superstitions associated with the number 13, particularly when that date happens to fall on a Friday.  Many of these existing superstitions have been amplified by the entertainment industry, particularly films such as Friday the 13th, Hocus Pocus, Paranormal Activity, etc.

However, today also marks the full moon in the lunar cycle during the month of June.  The Farmers' Almanac lists the name of each month's full moon and describes its' significance.  June is called the "Strawberry Moon," or sometimes also called the "Rose Moon," or "Honey Moon."  The Farmers' Almanac attributes this name to the fact that strawberries are typically harvested in June.  Another explanation for using the terms "Rose Moon" or "Honey Moon" are attributed to the orange hue exhibited during the full moon in June.

So what makes today so special?  The intersection of these three factors makes today a rare occurrence.   The three factors are:
1 - Friday the 13th.
2 - Full moon in the lunar cycle.
3 - The June full moon is also called the Honey Moon, Strawberry Moon or Rose Moon.
See?  It doesn't seem quite so scary when you break it down.  It is fascinating to see these three events overlap, and is sure to result in a magnificent sunset/moonrise!

While folklore tells us to stay away from black cats, mirrors, ladders, etc. on this 'unlucky' day, astronomy and logic says there's nothing to fear.  Our advice?  Whether you consider your day to be lucky or unlucky, make sure you go outside this evening to enjoy the view!

For further reading, check out these articles...
Creepy Full Honey Moon Fills Sky This Friday the 13th
An Astronomical Eloping: How Rare is a "Friday the 13th Honey Moon?"