Blue moon: Southern Californians share photos of rare lunar event

It wasn’t actually blue, but it was bright and it was rare as many Southern Californians turned to social media overnight to post their snapshots of the “blue moon.”

Even early-morning commuters Wednesday were able to catch the last of the rare blue moon as it faded into daylight.

Despite its billing, the moon wasn’t actually blue (that only occurs after a volcano erupts or a major forest fire sends ash into the air, which acts as a filter). The reason for the title can be convoluted, but the short answer for the one that emerged Tuesday night: It was an extra summer moon.

Meanwhile, skygazers took to social media to share snapshots that, literally, can only be taken once in a blue moon.

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jason.wells@latimes.com

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