April’s full pink moon will be visible in the night sky this week, marking the first full moon of the spring season. The peak illumination will occur at 10:11 p.m. ET on Wednesday, according to Time and Date.

What is the 'Pink Moon'?

Despite its name, the moon won’t actually appear pink. The moniker “pink moon” originates from the blooming of Phlox subulata, a wildflower native to eastern North America also known as “moss pink,” which typically flowers around this time. The lunar event will appear in its usual silvery-gray hue.

Visibility and Viewing Tips

The moon may appear full on both Tuesday and Thursday as well. According to EarthSky, full moons are considered full up to 12 hours before and after their peak. Noah Petro, chief of NASA’s planetary geology, geophysics and geochemistry laboratory, recommends finding a dark, unobstructed location away from trees and buildings for the best viewing experience.

Cultural Significance

April’s full moon holds different names and significance across various Indigenous communities. These include “kawohni” (flower moon) to the Cherokee, “kwiyamuyaw” (moon of windbreak) to the Hopi, and “tabehatawi” (frog moon) to the Assiniboine.

Pink Moon and the Artemis II Mission

This full moon also marks the beginning of the potential launch window for Artemis II, the first human mission to travel to the vicinity of the moon in over 50 years. NASA has identified a launch period between April 1 and April 6, with a two-hour window each day.

“When you look at this full moon, the crew may be on their way. They may have just launched,” said Petro. He added that this will be the last full moon before the Artemis II mission, making it a significant event for both the crew and observers.

Upcoming Celestial Events

Meteor Showers in April and May

Beyond the full pink moon, sky watchers can look forward to several meteor showers. The Lyrids will peak between April 21 and April 22, potentially offering 10 to 20 meteors per hour. The Eta Aquariids will peak on May 5-6, with fewer visible meteors due to moonlight.

May's Full Moons

May will feature two full moons, including a potential “blue moon” – the second full moon within a single calendar month – on May 31. Blue moons occur roughly every 30 months.