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Pink Moon Appears Faintly Orange, Not Pink
31 Mar
Summary
- The April full moon, known as the Pink Moon, occurs April 1-2.
- It is named for pink wildflowers, not its actual color.
- The moon will appear faintly orange due to atmospheric conditions.
The April full moon, often called the 'Pink Moon', is set to appear on April 1-2, marking the first full moon of spring. This lunar event derives its name from the pink Phlox wildflowers that bloom across North America during this season.
Contrary to its name, the moon will not display a pink hue but will instead exhibit a faint orange appearance. This coloration is attributed to the way sunlight filters through Earth's thicker atmosphere near the horizon as the moon rises.
Symbolically, the Pink Moon represents growth and fresh starts, encouraging goal setting and introspection. It is also historically recognized as the Paschal Moon, which determines the date for Western Easter, set for April 5, 2026.
The Pink Moon will reach its peak illumination on April 1 at 10:12 pm EDT. It will be visible throughout the night, rising in the east at sunset and setting in the west at sunrise.
