It's the first full Moon of Astronomical spring - here's everything you need to know about April's full Moon, from when it is, to why it's called a 'Pink Moon'.
The Full Moon is a captivating sight that has fascinated humanity for centuries. April's Full Moon, also known as the Pink Moon, is set to grace the night sky tonight in all its luminous glory... if the clouds hold.
From pagan rituals to migrations, tides, and time itself, the Full Moon has been revered and studied for its (supposed) mystical powers and astronomical significance alike. In this article, we'll delve deeper into April's Full Moon, exploring the origin of the name, its significance, and whether the Moon will actually be pink.
For those who missed it, you can check out our fantastic gallery of the best pictures from the Spring Equinox 2023. If you’re looking forward to clear nights this year, why not plan ahead with our full Moon UK calendar and astronomy for beginners guide?
When can I see the Pink Moon 2023?
The Pink Moon can be seen rising on the evening of 5 April 2023 in the UK and around the world.
On Wednesday 5 April, from London, the Pink Moon will rise at 6:59pm from the east and set at 6:40am the next morning in the west.
The Pink Moon will reach peak illumination at 4:34am UT/ 5:34 BST on the morning of 6 April. As the Sun rises at 6:25am on the 6 April, this means that the Moon will be low on the horizon, in the pre-dawn sky when it reaches syzygy. Syzygy – a roughly straight-line configuration of the Moon, Earth, and Sun – only occurs for a moment, when the Moon is directly opposite the Sun, with the Earth in the middle.
The best time to see the Pink Moon will be early in the morning of 6 April before the Moon sinks below the horizon, and before the Sun rises, or the previous evening on 5 April.
If you are unable to see the Pink Moon at its peak, it will also appear full tonight.
When can I see the Pink Moon in the US?
The Pink Moon will be visible across the United States, but the exact timing of moonrise and moonset will depend on your location. You can check the moonrise and moonset times for your specific location using a moon phase calendar, or an astronomy app that provides this information. Keep in mind that the moon may appear larger and brighter when it is near the horizon, so it can be a particularly stunning sight during moonrise or moonset.
In eastern US, the Pink Moon will appear fullest at 12:24am ET (just after midnight) on 6 April.
In western US, the Pink Moon will appear fullest at 9:34pm PT on 5 April.
What constellation will the Pink Moon be in 2023?
On the morning of 6 April, the Moon will be in the constellation Virgo, midway between its brightest star Spica, and Porrima, a binary star. The Moon spends around two to three days in each of the zodiac constellations, as it progresses through its lunar cycle.
Earlier in the month, on 2 April, the waxing gibbous Moon was 4.6 degrees north of Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo. On 6 April, just after full, it will be 3.3 degrees north of Spica, and then by 10 April, it will be 1.5 degrees north of Antares – the brightest star in Scorpio – in the morning sky.
On 16 April, the Moon will pass around 3.5 degrees south of Saturn, then skim past Jupiter by just 0.1 degrees on 19 April.
Why is it called the Pink Moon?
The name Pink Moon is thought to derive from pink flowers which start to bloom around this time, in particular, Phlox subulata.
Phlox is a herbaceous native to eastern North America (with the exception of a single species native to north-eastern Asia), and it’s thought that the name Pink Moon originates from the 1930s when the Maine Farmer’s Almanac began publishing names for each full Moon in the year. Since then, these names have gained popularity and are now commonly used around the world.If the Pink Moon falls early enough in the month, as it does this year, you might also be able to catch it against a backdrop of cherry blossoms as they make their brief appearance.