First off, April’s Super Pink Moon will unfortunately not don a light-reddish hue. However, it will still be a sight that you’ll want to see. As the year’s biggest and brightest full moon, the upcoming supermoon is one you don’t want to miss. Timing is everything when it comes to viewing the supermoon, so read on to learn about when this full moon will be at peak illumination along with why it’s called a “Super Pink Moon” in the first place. This lunar event will be here soon, so start the countdown!
We're currently experiencing a series of supermoons. In addition to last month's full moon, this month's AND next month's full moons are classified as "supermoons." However, if you could only catch one, April's supermoon is definitely the one to see.
The first full moon of spring, April's Super Pink Moon will appear on the night of April 7, 2020. To view it, figure out the exact time of the moonrise where you live, then go outside at that exact time and look up! It may look bigger and brighter than your average full moon, and that's because it is.
Due to being positioned closer to Earth, the supermoon will appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a full moon at its longest distance from Earth. The result is a brilliant and luminous view of the moon, which can actually appear full to the naked eye for up to three days.
Why exactly is this full moon called a Super Pink Moon, you ask? Unfortunately, it's not because the moon will appear pink. It will don its usual white and golden coloring. Instead, the nickname comes from the full moon's timing with the spring season.
April's full moon typically lines up with the early springtime blooms of a wildflower called phlox subulata, or moss phlox. The wildflower boasts a bright shade of pink, so spring's first full moon became known as the Pink Moon. Hence, this year's supermoon is called the Super Pink Moon.
You shouldn't need any special equipment or anything other than your naked eye to view April's supermoon. However, it's always recommended you seek out a particularly dark section of sky that's far away from the city lights. Keep in mind that your very own backyard or patio can be the best stargazing spot!
If it's been a while since you've caught the sight of a full moon, then consider it especially important that you get out there on April 7 to see the Super Pink Moon. After all, the biggest and brightest full moon of 2020 should not be missed!
