What To Know About The Full Pink Moon

What's happening in the skies on April 1st is no April Fool's joke.

The new month will be ushered in with a Paschal, or Pink, Moon, marking the first Full Moon of spring, which is also used to determine the date of Easter.

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the name 'Pink Moon' originates from the rosy-colored Moon, as well as a wildflower native to eastern North America: Phlox subulata, commonly known as creeping phlox or moss phlox. This flower, often called 'moss pink,' was in full bloom around April’s Full Moon.

Your best chance to see the Pink Moon in all of its splendor is to head to an open area and watch as it rises above the horizon. At this moment, it will appear larger than usual due to the Moon illusion and take on a beautiful golden hue!

Optimum viewing time begins at 9:12 PM Central Time.

April’s Full Moon has religious significance as well. In Christianity, it’s known as the Lenten Moon if it’s the last Full Moon of winter (before the spring equinox) or the Paschal Full Moon if it’s the first ecclesiastical Full Moon of spring (after the equinox).

Get our free mobile app

The ’90s Are Back: Let's Look at the Famous Faces Who Made the Decade Iconic

Feeling nostalgic for the ’90s? Take a look at the faces and styles that defined the era — back when the world was on the verge of Y2K and social media didn’t exist.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz