The Pink Moon is a term used to describe the full moon that occurs in April. This name is derived from the Native American practice of naming full moons based on the seasonal changes that occur during that time.
In particular, the Pink Moon is named after the appearance of wild ground phlox, a pink springtime flower that blooms in North America around this time. However, despite its name, the Pink Moon does not actually appear pink in color. Rather, it can take on a golden or orange hue due to its position in the sky and the scattering of light through the Earth’s atmosphere.
The “Pink Moon” rises tonight, April 5
The Pink Moon, also known as April’s full moon, will peak just after midnight and early morning on Thursday, April 6, according to Space.com. The phenomenon will be visible for most of the night worldwide. After this, the moon will begin to wane and will reach its next new moon phase on April 20, marking the start of a new lunar cycle. As the moon wanes, it will also rise an hour later each day, becoming less visible in the night sky until it sets around the same time as the sun during the new moon phase.
To admire the Pink Moon on the night sky with the naked eye, it’s best to find a location that offers an unobstructed view of the horizon in the east. Look for a clear area away from tall buildings, trees, or other obstructions that could block your view. As the Pink Moon rises just after sunset, it will appear larger and more orange in color due to atmospheric distortion. As the moon rises higher in the sky, it will appear smaller and brighter in color.
You don’t need any special equipment to view the Pink Moon, as it’s visible to the naked eye. However, if you want a closer look or to capture the moon’s beauty with a camera, you can use binoculars or a telescope. Just be sure to use a stable surface to avoid camera shake or movement while observing or taking photos. Finally, it’s always good to check the weather forecast to ensure clear skies and optimal viewing conditions.
