A Super Pink Moon Will Be Visible Tonight

It's the biggest, brightest supermoon of the year.

Full moon
(Image credit: Dag Sundberg)

If you thought the Super Worm Moon in March was impressive, wait until you see April's Super Pink Moon, the biggest and brightest moon supermoon of the year. Here's everything you need to know about the first full moon of spring.

Why is it called the Pink Moon?

Sadly, the name of the moon has nothing to do with its actual color. According to the Farmer's Almanac, the full moon is called the pink moon because it corresponds with the early spring bloom of phlox subulata, or moss pink, a wildflower native to eastern North America.

What makes it a supermoon?

April's Super Pink Moon is considered a supermoon because of its close proximity to Earth. When the moon reaches the perigee, the point closest to Earth, it appears larger and brighter than a normal full moon. Since the Super Pink Moon will be the closest supermoon to Earth this year, it'll be the brightest and biggest full moon of 2020.

When can you see the Super Pink Moon?

The Super Pink Moon will rise on Tuesday, April 7. It'll be visible afters sunset, and it will reach peak illumination at 10:35 p.m., EDT, according to the Farmer's Almanac. The moon will appear full to the naked eye for the next couple of days. In the meantime, skywatchers see Venus, the Pleiads star cluster, and a waxing crescent moon this weekend.

If you can't see the Super Pink Moon tonight, you can also watch it on a live webcast.

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Moon, Nature, Atmosphere, Celestial event, Atmospheric phenomenon, Astronomical object, Full moon, Lunar eclipse, Sky, Beauty,

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