Pink Moon Illuminates Night Sky Across US

The full moon in April, known as the "Pink Moon," will grace the night sky on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, offering a stunning celestial display for stargazers across the United States.

While the moon will not actually appear pink, it will take on a mesmerizing golden hue shortly after rising above the horizon, before transitioning to a brilliant white as it climbs higher in the sky.

The Pink Moon is expected to reach its peak illumination at 7:49 PM Eastern Time (ET) on April 23, remaining visible for approximately three nights. "The moon will rise at 8:08 p.m. and set at 6:56 a.m. in Greenville, South Carolina," according to one of the summaries. Across different time zones, the moon will reach its brightest point at 6:49 PM Central Time (CT), 5:49 PM Mountain Time (MT), and 4:48 PM Pacific Time (PT).

Despite its name, the Pink Moon's moniker has little to do with its actual color. The name originates from the bloom of the wild ground phlox, also known as "moss pink," a flower native to eastern North America that typically blossoms in early spring. Other names for this full moon include the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Fish Moon, each tied to seasonal changes observed by various cultures.

Why this matters: The Pink Moon holds significance as a harbinger of spring, marking the transition from the dormant winter months to a period of renewal and growth. Its appearance serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of the seasons and the interconnectedness of celestial events with life on Earth.

For those seeking the best views of the Pink Moon, experts recommend finding an open area away from city lights and light pollution. The moon will appear largest and most impressive when it is close to the horizon, making it an ideal time for moon photography enthusiasts to capture stunning shots. However, cloudy skies may impact visibility in some regions, such as Louisville and Milwaukee, so it is essential to check local weather forecasts.

In addition to the Pink Moon, stargazers can look forward to other celestial events in the coming days. The Lyrid meteor shower, one of the oldest known meteor showers, will peak on April 21-22, although the bright moonlight may make it challenging to spot the meteors. Jupiter will also be visible above the west-northwestern horizon during the full moon, while Mars and Saturn will grace the predawn sky.

The Pink Moon serves as a celestial treat for moon enthusiasts and a reminder of the <a href="https://www.foxcarolina.com/2024/04

Key Takeaways

• The "Pink Moon" will appear on April 23, 2024, reaching peak illumination at 7:49 PM ET.
• The moon will appear golden at first, then transition to brilliant white as it rises.
• The name "Pink Moon" refers to the blooming of wild ground phlox, not the moon's color.
• The Pink Moon marks the transition from winter to spring, a celestial harbinger of renewal.
• Stargazers can also view the Lyrid meteor shower and planets like Jupiter and Mars.