The upcoming “Pink Moon” is set to grace the skies on April 23, the fourth full Moon of 2024. Named after the pink flowers that bloom in spring, it is also known as the “Egg Moon” and the “Awakening Moon.” This full Moon marks the first day of the Jewish festival of Passover, falling on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan and the first day of the Hebrew year.
The “Pink Moon” is expected to turn full at 23:48 UTC/7:48 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 23, with the best time to witness its rising being dusk on the same day. For the most impressive view, it is recommended to observe the full Moon as it rises on the eastern horizon just after the sun sets in the west. This timing will showcase the Moon in its full glory, displaying a striking, muted orange hue. It will be particularly stunning viewed from eastern North America, as it will rise just minutes before becoming full.
On April 23, sunset in New York is at 7:43 p.m. EDT, with moonrise following at 7:44 p.m. EDT. In Los Angeles, sunset occurs at 7:30 p.m. PDT, and moonrise is at 7:37 p.m. PDT. In London, sunset is at 8:10 p.m. BST, and moonrise is at 7:59 p.m. BST. To catch a glimpse of the full “Pink Moon,” find a high vantage point facing east or visit an east-facing coast for an unobstructed view. Clear skies are ideal for optimal viewing, although binoculars can provide a closer look.
During its rise, the “Pink Moon” will appear orange for a brief period of 15-20 minutes due to the dense part of Earth’s atmosphere it passes through. Long-wavelength red and orange light penetrate the atmosphere more easily than short-wavelength blue light, resulting in the Moon’s orange appearance. This phenomenon, known as Raleigh scattering, also explains why sunsets appear orange. Following the “Pink Moon,” the next full Moon is the “Flower Moon,” set to occur on May 23, 2024, at 13:53 UTC/9:53 a.m. EDT, marking the fifth full Moon of the year and the third of spring in the northern hemisphere.
As the “Pink Moon” graces the evening skies next week, viewers are encouraged to seek out clear skies and keep their eyes wide open for this captivating lunar spectacle.
