WASHINGTON — After this month's stunning total solar eclipse, you'd be forgiven for thinking the night sky has finished providing spectacular views. But you'd be wrong.
The full moon this month, called a pink moon, is set to rise Tuesday night and will remain full for about three nights.
But where does the name come from, and will the moon actually be pink?
First, we'll answer the second question, and unfortunately, the answer is no. Barring some kind of cover from smoke or other barriers in the atmosphere, the moon will be its usual yellowish white color. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, "it will appear its biggest and take on a golden hue" shortly after rising on the horizon.
So why is April's full moon called a pink moon?
To understand the name, it's important to remember that every month's full moon is named something different, with most taking their names from important aspects of nature around when they form. For example, June's strawberry moon gets its name because it's the time of year when fresh berries are picked. August's sturgeon moon is named so because it's when the titular fish used to appear in great numbers in the Great Lakes at the end of every summer.
According to NASA, sometime in the 1930s, the Maine Farmers' Almanac began publishing Native American names for full moons. The names caught on, and are widely used today.
So why is April's moon pink?
It all comes down to the flowers. The full moon in April is named after one of the most prolific flowers to bloom in the spring.
It's specifically named after the herb, moss pink. It's also known as creeping phlox, moss phlox or mountain phlox. You may recognize it from floral bouquets for its soft pink color and five straight petals.
It's native to the eastern United States and is one of the most widespread flowers of spring. Every year, around April, massive fields of moss pink bloom across much of the eastern U.S., providing a beautiful sight for nature-watchers.
When does the pink moon rise?
April's full moon will rise on Tuesday, April 23. It reaches its brightest point at 7:49 p.m. Eastern, and then proceeds across the night sky. But if you miss it the first night, don't fear. A full moon stays in the sky for about three nights.
