April’s Pink Moon to illuminate the spring sky

Astronomy enthusiasts are in for a celestial treat this April as the full moon, famously known as the Pink Moon, will reach its peak illumination on Tuesday at 7:49pm EDT. NASA predicts that the moon will appear full from Monday morning through Thursday morning, providing ample opportunities for observation.

Contrary to its name, the “Pink Moon” does not actually change color. Instead, the name is derived from the blossoming of “moss pink,” a wildflower native to eastern North America that typically blooms in early spring. This full moon is also known by several other names reflecting seasonal changes, including the Breaking Ice Moon and the Moon When the Streams are Again Navigable, among others that symbolize shifts in plant life and animal behavior during this period.

Beyond its natural beauty, April’s Pink Moon holds cultural significance as it coincides with the beginning of Passover, the Jewish holiday that commences Monday evening. It is often referred to as the Pesach or Passover Moon. 

Additionally, the Pink Moon aligns with the Hanuman Jayanti festival, a prominent date on the Hindu lunisolar calendar celebrated in various regions.

The spring sky is teeming with activity, promising more celestial displays in the coming weeks. The Lyrid meteor shower is expected to peak between April 21 and 22, followed by the Eta Aquariids meteor shower illuminating the sky from May 4 through May 5. Furthermore, May’s full moon, known as the Flower Moon, will reach peak illumination on May 23.

For astronomy enthusiasts eager to catch these celestial events, specific moonrise times for their ZIP codes in the US can be found on The Old Farmer’s Almanac website. With the Pink Moon and upcoming meteor showers, the spring season offers a wealth of must-see experiences for sky watchers.