Get Ready for the Pink Moon: The First Full Moon of Spring

Get ready to gaze up at the night sky on Wednesday, April 24, as the much-anticipated Pink Moon makes its appearance as the first full moon of spring. Despite its name, the moon will not actually be pink, but will maintain its usual bright white color with a potential golden glow near the horizon, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

The Pink Moon is set to rise at 7:49 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, April 23, and will be visible to observers for about three days, from Monday morning to Thursday morning, as reported by NASA. This celestial event is sure to captivate skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts alike.

But why is the April full moon called the Pink Moon? The tradition of naming full moons has deep historical roots, with cultures around the world, including Native Americans, assigning names to the moons based on natural cues. The Pink Moon gets its name from the moss pink herb, also known as creeping phlox, which is one of the earliest widespread flowers of spring in the eastern United States.

The Pink Moon is not only a symbol of the changing seasons but also holds cultural and spiritual significance. It is sometimes referred to as the Easter Moon, as it often coincides with the Easter holidays. The alignment of Good Friday with the first full moon following the spring equinox adds another layer of meaning to the Pink Moon, symbolizing rebirth and renewal.

So mark your calendars and make sure to catch a glimpse of the Pink Moon as it graces the night sky this week. It’s a celestial event not to be missed!