Pink Moon on the Horizon

The moon itself is not pink but it is named after the pink flower that blossoms in April. The whole family went put on the balcony to check out this surreal moon rise.

The sky is hazy around this time of year so when the moon first rises above the horizon it shines through the purple haze and portrays itself as an offset pink. It looked more like a bright red orange to me.

At this time in April the moon is the closest to the earth it will ever be in 2020. The moon shines an erie glow tonight. I wonder if this is the moon that plays tricks at sea.

An interesting thing happens when this moon comes out in April, the temple starts shining a thousand lights.

I knew this was the time the Buddhists prepare for the celebration of Buddah's birth but I never considered the placement of the moon and its significance in the placement of the lamps.

As I consider the moon and the lamps I see only a reflection of a true light. If I looked directly at the sun I would burn my eyes out but with the moon I can look at with binaculars. Its great experience. I can see the large craters on the moon even without binaculars. Nature is spectacular.

This is the picture we took from our balcony. I couldn't catch the detailed focus of the moon with my cell phone. But I'm posting this to just say two things.

1. Don't forget your binaculars.

2. Catch the moon right at moonrise. It doesn't look the same even at moonset.

Jon Fogerty saw the moon as a sign of the times. Personally it was right after CCR had produced the single "Proud Mary" and he was afraid the band would flop if he didn't get something out quick. This is the one he came up with, "Bad moon a rising."

The times are like those I have never known.

Note: The pictures here are from my cell phone except the first picture public domain at pixabay.