Tonight, sky enthusiasts will get to witness the “Pink Moon,” the season’s first full moon. Although it won’t actually be pink, this celestial event is named after the blooming pink phlox flowers seen across North America during early spring.
The Pink Moon will light up the sky on Saturday, April 12, at 8:22 PM EDT. For viewers in India, the ideal time to catch it is between 3:21 AM and 5:51 AM on April 13.
You don’t need any fancy equipment—just step out onto your balcony, rooftop, or any clear area facing the east. The moon will rise beautifully in the eastern sky around sunset, glowing in soft orange hues due to the atmosphere.
Some other traditional names for this moon include the Egg Moon, Fish Moon, and Sprouting Grass Moon.
For a clearer view of the moon’s features, a pair of binoculars or a telescope can be helpful. Stargazers should also spot “Spica,” the brightest star in the Virgo constellation, which will appear near the moon all night. To locate Spica, trace the arc from the handle of the Big Dipper through the orange star Arcturus.
Observers in Central and South America and parts of southern Africa might witness a rare occultation—when the moon temporarily hides Spica from view.
According to NASA, the full moon appears bigger at the horizon due to the “moon illusion.” This particular full moon is the smallest of the year—a “micromoon”—and also determines the date for Easter, falling this year on April 20.
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