On Friday, April 19, the "Pink Moon" will rise. However, despite what its name suggests, skywatchers should not expect a rosy glow in the night sky.
This month's full moon will be visible around the world beginning Maundy Thursday night until early morning on Good Friday. Instead of pink, the full moon will first appear in the sky with a pale orange shade and turn more yellow as it rises above the eastern horizon.
What Is A Pink Moon?
Every month's full moon has its own unique name that can be traced back to hundreds of years ago from the Native Americans who interacted with colonists. In January, the full moon was called the Wolf Moon because wolves are known to howl whenever it appears.
Last month, it was the Worm Moon because it indicates the beginning of spring, which means that the ground is soft and moist, allowing the worm underground to crawl back to the surface.
According to the Farmer's Almanac, this month's Pink Moon marks the arrival of one of the early spring flowers: moss pink or wild ground phlox. April's full moon is also sometimes called the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Fish Moon.
Next month's full moon is also a seasonal blue moon, creating the moniker Blue Flower Moon. In June, the full moon will be called Strawberry Moon.
How To See April's 'Pink Moon'
If the weather permits, the best time to see the Pink Moon is on early Friday morning at 7:12 a.m. EDT when the moon is close 100 percent illuminated. Those who are not able to look up and see the full moon rise on Thursday night will have a second chance. The moon will still appear full on Friday night.
It will also be perfect to look up and gaze at the stars because, according to AccuWeather, the constellation Orion will be visible in the western sky.
A few shooting stars might also appear alongside the Pink Moon. The peak of the annual Lyrid meteor shower, which is active around April 16 to 25, is expected to fall on April 23, a few days after the full moon rises.
