April's Full "Pink Moon" Dazzles the World

April’s full “Pink Moon” illuminated the night sky on April 1, 2026, providing a spectacular display for stargazers worldwide. The lunar event occurred just hours before NASA’s Artemis 2 mission launched four astronauts on a 10-day journey to the far side of the moon.

Origin of the "Pink Moon" Name

The name “Pink Moon” originates from North American traditions, referencing the early spring blooms of the phlox plant. This ground-blooming plant flowers in regions of the U.S. around this time of year.

Artemis 2 and the Lunar View

As the moon rose, Artemis 2 mission commander Wiseman remarked to ground control, “We have a beautiful moon rise, we’re headed right at it,” shortly after the spacecraft entered Earth’s atmosphere. The same moon was visible to billions across the globe, inspiring countless photographers to capture its beauty.

Stunning Astrophotography from Around the Globe

United Kingdom

Photographer Dury captured the full Pink Moon looming low over the western horizon above Brent Knoll in Somerset, UK, using a 600mm telephoto lens on April 2. Dury noted the astronomical timing related to the paschal full moon, which influences the dates of Passover and Easter.

United States

Gregg Newton photographed the April full moon rising over the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 1, with the Artemis 2 countdown clock visible. Lokman Vural Elibol captured the moon from 925 miles away, glowing between New York skyscrapers. Gary Hershorn photographed the moon passing behind the Empire State Building from Union City, New Jersey.

Megan Briggs captured a detailed shot of the moon from Miami, Florida on March 31, revealing ancient lava fields and asteroid impact streaks. J. David Ake photographed the moon above the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., while Apu Gomes captured the scene over Venice Beach, California, surrounded by palm trees.

Germany & Argentina

Kirill Kudryavstev captured a striking image of the full moon with a Boeing 777 jet crossing its path from Frankfurt, Germany. Luis Robayo snapped a photo of the lunar disk over an obelisk in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a projection of the Artemis 2 rocket.

Share Your Photos

If you captured your own stunning images of the April full moon, you can share them with Space.com’s readers by sending your photo, comments, name, and location to spacephotos@space.com.