The night sky has always been a source of wonder and mystery. Tonight, it holds a special treat for skywatchers - the full Pink Moon of April 2024. Despite its name, the Pink Moon isn’t actually pink. The name is derived from the pink wildflowers, known as ground phlox, that bloom in North America around this time.
When to Watch
The Pink Moon will rise in the east shortly after sunset. The exact time of the full moon, which will take shape when the moon is exactly 180 degrees opposite the sun in the sky, will occur around 7:49 pm EDT. However, the moon will appear “full” to the unaided eye throughout the whole night. It will set in the west shortly before 7 a.m. local time.
A Night for the Moon
The moon will be in the Virgo constellation, and will have most of the night to enjoy the night sky by itself while the planets are situated on the other side of Earth. That’s great news for skywatchers because the full moon’s brightness makes spotting other cosmic targets quite difficult when they are indeed above us; tonight, however, those targets won’t even be an option. It’s a night to focus solely on the moon.
The Significance of the Pink Moon
The Pink Moon holds cultural significance in various traditions. In Jewish tradition, the Pink Moon is recognized as the ‘Passover Moon,’ as it signifies the commencement of the Jewish festival of Passover (Pesach). The Native American names refer to the spring thaw and the signs of new growth each year—including names like the Breaking Ice Moon and The Moon of the Red Grass Appearing. Common names in Europe also refer to the budding and birth of spring: with grass sprouting, birds laying eggs, and people planting seeds.
A Reminder of Nature’s Beauty
The Pink Moon serves as a reminder of the beauty and mystery of the natural world. As we go about our busy lives, it’s easy to forget to look up and appreciate the celestial wonders that unfold above us. So, tonight, take a moment to step outside and gaze up at the Pink Moon. Let its soft glow serve as a reminder of the beauty of the universe and our small but significant place within it.
Happy skywatching!