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April’s Pink Moon: What You Need to Know About the Upcoming Micromoon
Get ready to gaze at the night sky as April’s Pink Moon, also known as a micromoon, rises on Saturday, bringing with it a unique celestial event.
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The full moon of April, occurring on the 12th, is also called a Pink Moon and will be visible according to the varying moonrise and moonset times depending on your location. On Saturday, April 12, the Pink Moon will reach its maximum brightness at 8:22 pm EDT (0022 GMT), as reported by Space.com.
Why is April’s full moon called a ‘Pink Moon’
The April full moon is called the “Pink Moon” not because it actually looks pink (it usually doesn’t), but because it coincides with the early spring bloom of a wildflower called Phlox subulata, commonly known as moss pink or creeping phlox. This name comes from Native American, Colonial American, and European traditions, where full moons were often named based on seasonal changes in nature. So, “Pink Moon” is more about the seasonal connection than the moon’s actual color.
How does the Pink Moon get its name?
According to NASA, Other names for the April full moon are Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, Fish Moon – used by coastal tribes for the time when fish swim upstream to spawn – the Pesach or Passover Moon and even the the Hanuman Jayanti Festival Moon. This highlights the cultural significance of the full moon and its connection to various traditions and festivals.
The Science Behind the Pink Moon
The moon won’t actually appear pink, but it’s what makes it distinguishable is that it is the smallest full moon of the year, also known as a “micromoon”, according to Space.com. This is because April’s full moon occurs when the Earth’s only natural satellite is farthest from Earth in its orbit (known as apogee), making it appear slightly smaller and dimmer than usual, though the difference may be hard to spot with naked eye.
When and How to Spot the Pink Moon?
The full moon will be visible according to the varying moonrise and moonset times depending on your location. In India, this full Moon corresponds with the Hanuman Jayanti festival, the celebration of the birth of Lord Hanuman. If you’re interested in spotting the Pink Moon, you can check the moonrise and moonset times in your area to plan your viewing.
Conclusion:
April’s Pink Moon, also known as the micromoon, is a unique celestial event that will bring together science, culture, and tradition. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or just looking to appreciate the beauty of the night sky, get ready to gaze at the Pink Moon on Saturday, April 12, as it reaches its maximum brightness at 8:22 pm EDT (0022 GMT).
Keywords: Pink Moon, micromoon, April full moon, moonrise and moonset, lunar orbit, Hanuman Jayanti festival, astronomy, moon phases.
Hashtags: #PinkMoon #Micromoon #AprilFullMoon #MoonRise #MoonSet #LunarOrbit #HanumanJayanti #Astronomy #MoonPhases
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