How and when to see April’s full Pink Moon

On Thursday, April 2, the Pink Moon will reach its zenith in the UK at 03:12 BST. While this celestial event is often associated with a pink hue, observers are unlikely to notice the color, as it’s more commonly seen as orange due to atmospheric conditions.

Origins of the Name

The name Pink Moon traces its roots to ancient traditions, where full Moons were named after natural seasonal markers. This particular name reflects the pink flower, ground phlox, that blooms across North America during this time of year. Unlike its appearance, the Moon’s coloration is more a product of Earth’s atmosphere than the Moon’s actual surface.

The name, like so many others for full Moons, stems back to a time when people called them after seasonal moments in nature, to keep track of passing months.

Easter and Passover Connection

The April full Moon serves as a pivotal reference point for determining Easter and Passover dates. Easter falls on the first Sunday following the initial full Moon after the spring equinox, which is traditionally set on March 21. This year, the equinox occurs on March 20, making the Pink Moon on April 2 the critical marker for the Easter date on April 5.

Passover, in the Jewish calendar, begins midway through the month of Nisan. This timing coincides with the April full Moon, which marks the transition into spring. The discrepancy in calendar systems between the Gregorian and Julian calendars also influences the global spread of Easter dates, with many Eastern European countries adhering to the Julian calendar for Orthodox festivals.

Other Full Moon Names

Across different cultures, full Moons have been given unique names reflecting seasonal changes. In addition to the Pink Moon, other names include the Sprouting Grass Moon, which signals the beginning of spring, and the Egg Moon, symbolizing renewal. Other examples are the Fish Moon, linked to shad fish spawning, and the Breaking Ice Moon, associated with the thawing of winter.

Weather Forecast

For those hoping to catch the Pink Moon, Wednesday night’s forecast suggests a cold front moving over England and Wales, potentially obscuring the view with clouds and rain. Clear skies are more likely in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where the colder air may offer better visibility. The BBC Weather website and app provide real-time updates for local conditions.

While the Pink Moon is a notable event, it’s just one of several celestial occurrences to watch for in the spring. This year’s monthly outlook highlights a series of sky gazing opportunities, including the upcoming arrival of the Fish Moon and other seasonal markers.