This weekend, skywatchers are in for a celestial treat as April’s Full Pink Moon rises—along with a rare micromoon, the smallest and faintest full moon of the year. While the name might suggest a rosy hue, the real magic lies in its timing and cultural significance, marking key religious events like Easter and Passover.
If you’re eager to catch this astronomical event, here’s everything you need to know—from peak viewing times to why it’s called a “Pink Moon” in the first place.
When to See the Full Pink Moon & Micromoon
The Full Pink Moon reaches peak illumination at 8:22 PM ET on Saturday, April 20, 2024, according to Almanac.com. However, the Moon will appear nearly full from Friday night through Monday, making it a great viewing opportunity all weekend.
Best Viewing Times:
- Friday, April 19: Moon appears 98% full
- Saturday, April 20: 100% full at peak (8:22 PM ET)
- Sunday, April 21: Still appears 100% full
- Monday, April 22: Fades to 98% full
For exact moonrise and moonset times in your location, check the Old Farmer’s Almanac Moon Calculator.
Will the Moon Actually Look Pink?
Despite its name, the Pink Moon won’t actually appear pink. The title comes from the early spring bloom of wild pink phlox flowers (Phlox subulata), native to eastern North America.
However, you might catch a soft orange or pinkish glow when the Moon first rises near the horizon due to atmospheric scattering—similar to how sunsets appear red.
What Is a Micromoon?
This month’s full moon is also a micromoon, meaning it’s at its farthest point from Earth (apogee) in its elliptical orbit—about 251,000 miles away.
Micromoon vs. Supermoon:
| Feature | Micromoon | Supermoon |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | Farthest (~251,000 mi) | Closest (~225,000 mi) |
| Appearance | Slightly smaller & dimmer | Larger & brighter |
| Frequency | Several times a year | 3-4 times a year |
While the difference may be subtle, keen observers might notice the Moon looks a bit smaller and less bright than usual.
Why This Moon Matters: Easter & Passover Connections
The April full moon plays a crucial role in setting dates for major religious holidays:
- Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon (hence why it falls on April 21 this year).
- Passover always begins on the night of a full moon, starting this Saturday, April 20.
Other names for April’s full moon include:
- Sprouting Grass Moon (symbolizing spring growth)
- Egg Moon (linked to bird nesting season)
- Fish Moon (coinciding with fish migration)
How to Photograph the Pink Moon
Want to capture this celestial event? Follow these tips:
- Use a tripod to avoid blur from handshake.
- Manual focus is best—autofocus can struggle in low light.
- Lower ISO (100-400) to reduce grain.
- Fast shutter speed (1/125 or faster) to prevent overexposure.
- Shoot at moonrise or moonset for dramatic backdrops (buildings, trees).
Final Thoughts .
Don’t miss the chance to witness the Full Pink Moon and micromoon this Something magical is happening this weekend—and you won’t want to miss it.
This Saturday, April 20 at 8:22 PM ET, look up and catch the Full Pink Moon, a stunning micromoon that’s set to light up the night sky. It’s not actually pink, but its soft glow is the perfect way to welcome spring.
Whether you’re into stargazing, snapping sky photos, or just enjoying peaceful moments under the stars, this is the perfect excuse to step outside, take a breath, and enjoy the view.
đź“Ť Pro tip: For the best experience, head outside at moonrise and face east. Check your local moonrise time to catch the full beauty.
Let the moonlight work its magic 🌝💫
Additional Resources:
Happy moon-gazing! 🌸🌕