An exciting lunar event is coming up soon and avid stargazers should definitely have it on their radar. Despite its name, April’s upcoming Super Pink Moon won’t have a light-reddish hue. However, it will still be a sight to see considering it’s the biggest and brightest full moon of the year. This especially gorgeous full moon is coming up soon, so set a reminder and bust out your telescope. The first full moon of spring is one that you don’t want to miss.
A supermoon always makes for a brilliant sight amid the dark night sky, but the Super Pink Moon that's appearing next week is looking to be extra spectacular. It's even considered the biggest and brightest supermoon of the year, so it's not one that you'll want to miss.
It may be called the Super Pink Moon, but unfortunately, it won't actually look "super pink" (or even pink at all.) Next week's supermoon will boast its usual white and golden coloring. The reason for the naming actually has to do with the timing of April's full moon during the spring season.
April's full moon typically corresponds with the early spring blooms of a wildflower that's native to eastern North America. Called "moss pink" or "moss phlox", the bright pink plant is what's responsible for this slightly confusing nickname.
The April supermoon will be visible on the night of Tuesday, April 7. Peak illumination for this full moon will occur around 8:35 p.m. MST. It's always best to find an open area with a particularly dark sky for viewing astronomical events, but this supermoon should be visible just about everywhere.
In fact, we're currently experiencing a series of three supermoons in a row. A previous supermoon was visible on March 9, and another will be visible on May 7. However, if you could only see one, the April supermoon is definitely the one to see.
April's full moon will be closer to Earth than any other full moon of 2020. Supermoons are typically about 7% bigger and 15% brighter than your average full moon, and this month's Super Pink Moon is expected to be even larger and more luminous!
As the second supermoon to take place this year, April's full moon will definitely be a fascinating sight for astronomy enthusiasts. Considering that Idaho is home to some of the darkest skies in the nation, you'll want to be sure not to miss it.
