The Pink Full Moon For The Month Of April Is Coming Soon
The full moon for the month of April is coming soon, and while it's called the "pink moon", it won't actually be pink in color. However, the bright golden orb in the night sky can still offer a spectacular sight.
Author:Daniel JamesReviewer:Karan EmeryApr 05, 202314.2K Shares355.6K Views
The pink full moon for the month of April is coming soon, and while it's called the "pink moon", it won't actually be pink in color. However, the bright golden orb in the night sky can still offer a spectacular sight.
April's Pink Full Moon
People who enjoy observing the moon can start looking up at the sky on Wednesday night, and the peak of the full moon will occur at 12:34 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday.
According to Dr. Noah Petro, chief of NASA’s planetary geology, geophysics, and geochemistry lab, the April full moon may appear like other full moons, but it presents a special opportunity for people to see the different colors of the moon and recognize that those differences reflect different compositions of rock.
Petro encourages people to take out their binoculars or telescopes and examine the moon more closely. To get the best view of the pink moon, Petro recommends finding a spot with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the sky.
The pink moon is visible to those in the Northern and Southern hemispheres and is considered to be in the full moon phase up to 12 hours before and after its peak.
In addition to the pink moon, onlookers can also spot Venus and Mars, which will be fairly close to the moon in the night sky. Petro hopes that when people look at the moon, they will not just think of it as a nearby neighbor in space, but as the eighth continent of the Earth.
The pink moon is named after the Phlox subulata, a hot pink wildflower that blooms during spring and is native to eastern North America. Other names for this moon include the budding moon, flower moon, and moon of the big leaves, among others that originated from Native American tribes in reference to the flourishing foliage of the season.
This year's April full moon is also the first full moon of spring, which is known as the Paschal full moon. This lunar event is of particular significance to those who celebrate Easter, as the date of the religious observance falls on the Sunday after the Paschal moon appears in the night sky.
In addition to the pink moon, there will be four eclipses to observe in 2023. Two solar eclipses and two lunar eclipses are expected, with the first total solar eclipse visible to those in Australia, Southeast Asia, and Antarctica on April 20.
A penumbral lunar eclipse will follow on May 5, visible to those in Africa, Asia, and Australia. On October 14, an annular solar eclipse will occur and can be seen by those living in North, Central, or South America. The year will end with a partial lunar eclipse on October 28, which can be viewed by people in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, parts of North America, and much of South America.
After a long wait, stargazers can finally look forward to a magnificent celestial event as the Lyrids meteor shower is set to grace the skies at the end of this month. This meteor shower will be the first major one since the appearance of the Quadrantids in January.
Following the Lyrids, May will bring another awe-inspiring celestial event in the form of the Aquariids meteor shower. This will be a great opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts to observe the beauty of the night sky and witness the magic of shooting stars.
What is a pink moon and when can you see it?
As we progress into the year, there are several more meteor showers to look forward to. In July, the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids meteor showers will both make an appearance. Then in August, the Perseids meteor shower will light up the sky.
As we head into the latter half of the year, the Orionids meteor shower is expected to peak in October, followed by the Southern Taurids and Northern Taurids meteor showers in November. Finally, the year will end with the Leonids, Geminids, and Ursids meteor showers in December.
Conclusion
Overall, 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for stargazers, with several opportunities to witness the majesty of meteor showers throughout the year. So mark your calendars and be sure to catch these stunning celestial events as they light up the night sky.
Daniel James
Author
Daniel James is a distinguished gerontologist, author, and professional coach known for his expertise in health and aging.
With degrees from Georgia Tech and UCLA, including a diploma in gerontology from the University of Boston, Daniel brings over 15 years of experience to his work.
His credentials also include a Professional Coaching Certification, enhancing his credibility in personal development and well-being.
In his free time, Daniel is an avid runner and tennis player, passionate about fitness, wellness, and staying active.
His commitment to improving lives through health education and coaching reflects his passion and dedication in both professional and personal endeavors.
Karan Emery
Reviewer
Karan Emery, an accomplished researcher and leader in health sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, brings over two decades of experience to the table. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Stanford University, Karan's credentials underscore her authority in the field.
With a track record of groundbreaking research and numerous peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, Karan's expertise is widely recognized in the scientific community.
Her writing style is characterized by its clarity and meticulous attention to detail, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Apart from her professional endeavors, Karan enjoys cooking, learning about different cultures and languages, watching documentaries, and visiting historical landmarks.
Committed to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes, Karan Emery continues to make significant contributions to the fields of health, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
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