Rare Blue Moon Captivates San Francisco in Stunning Time-Lapse
Mesmerizing rare moon seen over San Francisco in stunning time-lapse

Image: New York Post
A rare blue moon, which is the second full moon in a month, rose over San Francisco this weekend, captivating viewers with its orange hues. The moon, a micromoon due to its distance from Earth, reached peak illumination early on May 31, 2026, and was celebrated through time-lapse videos shared on social media.
- 01The blue moon occurred on May 31, 2026, marking the only blue moon of that year.
- 02This phenomenon is defined as the second full moon in a calendar month, which happens every 2.5 to 3 years.
- 03The moon was a micromoon, appearing smaller and dimmer due to its distance from Earth at apogee.
- 04Peak illumination was at approximately 1:45 a.m. PDT, beautifully framed against San Francisco's skyline.
- 05Clear skies allowed many Californians to witness the event, with organized viewing events and boat tours available.
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This past weekend, Californians experienced a stunning celestial event as a rare blue moon illuminated the sky over San Francisco. Captured in breathtaking time-lapse videos, including those by Shreenivasan Manievannan, the moon rose dramatically over the Bay Area from the evening of May 30 to the morning of May 31. Contrary to its name, the blue moon was not actually blue; it refers to the second full moon within a single month, a rare occurrence that happens roughly every two and a half to three years. This particular blue moon was also a micromoon, appearing slightly smaller and dimmer as it coincided with its apogee, the farthest point from Earth. The moon reached its peak brightness around 1:45 a.m. PDT, creating a picturesque backdrop against the city’s skyline. The clear skies and mild weather allowed many to enjoy the spectacle, with some attending organized moonrise viewing events and boat tours on the Bay. This event is particularly special as it marked the only blue moon of 2026, following the flower moon that occurred on May 1.
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The event attracted many locals and tourists to view the moonrise, enhancing community engagement in astronomy and outdoor activities.
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