The Pink Moon, the fourth full moon of 2024, is expected to rise in the sky this week from Monday to Wednesday (April 22-24). Tuesday (April 23) will be the fullest day of the moon, shining in the constellation Virgo near Spica, one of the brightest stars in the night sky. The moon will also appear bright and full on Monday and Wednesday. This coincides with the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower, potentially outshining the annual display of shooting stars. The best time to view the shower will be on April 22 when the moon is lowest, just before dawn.
In North America, Tuesday will be the best time to see the full moon as it rises in the east near sunset. Check local moonrise and moonset times to find the best spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon. The Pink Moon gets its name from the color of blooming flowers in this season. It is also known as the Breaking Ice Moon, Budding Moon, Awakening Moon, and Egg Moon. Other names from different Native American tribes include Moon of the Red Grass Appearing, Sprouting Grass Moon, Moon of Blackberry, Flower Moon, and Moon of the Big Leaves.
In Judaism, the Pink Moon is known as the Passover Moon, marking the first day of the Jewish festival of Passover (Pesach). Another name for April’s full moon is the Paschal Moon due to its association with Easter. Christians celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. In a rare occurrence, the Pink Moon was also seen during its new moon phase on April 8, during a total solar eclipse. The moon offered pink views of the sun’s atmosphere, living up to its nickname.