The full moon of April will rise tonight (April 16), amid Easter, Passover, Ramadan, and spring celebrations around the world. The upcoming full moon will be the first of astronomical spring for the Northern Hemisphere. The most recent moon was the Worm Moon which shined brightly on March 18, just two days before the changing of the seasons on the March equinox.
April’s full moon takes on several nicknames related to the changes that take place outdoors during the spring. The Pink Moon, the most common nickname, is derived from the wild ground phlox which blooms in the spring with pink flowers, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Despite its name, this weekend’s full moon will not appear pink in the sky throughout the night. However, the moon can sometimes appear a different color when it is low on the horizon depending on atmospheric conditions similar to how the sky changes color around sunrise and sunset.
April’s Full Pink Moon will reach its peak at 2:55 p.m. EDT (1855 GMT) and is also known in the United States by other Native American names: the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, or the Fish Moon. While the peak is instantaneous, the moon will appear full to the casual observer’s eye for the days before and after the peak itself.
While you can catch the moon with the naked eye, you will see more details (such as craters) in binoculars or a telescope. Our guides for the best telescopes and best binoculars can help you find the best gear for your needs.
If you’re hoping to snap a good photo of this full moon, we can help. Check out our guide on how to photograph the moon. If you’re looking for a camera, here’s our overview on the best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography.
