Keep your eyes on the skies tonight, because you won’t want to miss the pink full moon! According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, you’ll be able to get the perfect view around 7:49 p.m. ET. That’s when “peak illumination” occurs. As the full moon creeps above the horizon, it’ll be at its brightest and most vibrant to our eyes.
Where should you go to get the best experience during the pink full moon? Well, The Old Farmer’s Almanac suggests heading somewhere with a generous view of the open sky. If you can, try to find a place where tall buildings or trees don’t obscure the horizon.
Although the pink full moon will certainly be a beautiful sight to behold, it unfortunately isn’t as colorful as it sounds. It should have a rich amber tone at first, but it will fade to the usual white as it rises into the night sky.
Why is it called the pink full moon?
You might be wondering why it’s called a pink moon if it doesn’t look pink. USA Today reminds us that many of the full moon names we use today come from much older Native American traditions. These names were usually connected to what was happening in nature that month.
April happened to be the time of year when Phlox subulata, also called creeping phlox or moss phlox, started to bloom. These rosy-hued blossoms were also sometimes called “moss pink,” which is how the pink full moon earned its title.
In February, we watched the snow moon ascend into the sky. Last month brought the worm moon, whose slightly less appealing name comes from the appearance of worms in nature during early spring. According to Space.com, next month will bring us the flower moon. This May full moon is so named for the many blooms we’ll see during this spring phase.
Are you ready to get a good look at the pink full moon tonight? Find a prime viewing spot and keep your eyes peeled at 7:49 p.m. ET!