Astronomy fans can view the Pink Moon this month as April’s full moon rises.
April’s full moon will reach peak illumination at 7:49 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, but it will appear full Monday morning through Thursday morning, according to NASA. The Old Farmer’s Almanac details specific moonrise times for different zip codes in the United States
Why is the April full moon known as the Pink Moon?
Full moon names often come from the seasons, historical cultures, and the behavior of certain animals. The nickname “Pink Moon” unfortunately has nothing to do with the color of the moon, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Instead, it is linked to the early spring blooms of certain wildflowers, including one native to eastern North America, often called “moss rose.”
The April full moon also goes by several other names, including Icebreaker Moon, Moon When Streams Are Navigable Again, Budding Moon of Plants and Shrubs, and Moon of Appearing Red Grass. It also has several animal-related names, including Moon When the Ducks Come Back, Moon When the Geese Lay Eggs, Frog Moon, and Sucker Moon.
NASA notes that this is also the Pesach or Passover moon – the Jewish holiday begins this year on Monday evening. This full moon also corresponds to the Hanuman Jayanti festival of the Hindu lunisolar calendar in most regions, according to the space agency.
Look up: what else can you see in the sky this spring?
The Lyrid meteor shower will peak between April 21 and 22.
The Eta Aquariids meteor shower is estimated to peak from Saturday, May 4 to Sunday, May 5. And May’s full moon, the Flower Moon, reaches peak illumination on May 23.
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