Skygazers in the UK are in for a treat tomorrow night, as the ‘Pink Moon‘ is set to light up the skies – and a unique blue giant star.
This particular full moon is known as the Pink Moon, as it’s the first full moon of spring in the northern hemisphere.
Providing the weather is clear, everyone in the UK should get a good view of the full moon, as it hangs bright in the sky beginning Saturday night.
As it’s the brightest thing in the sky, it should be easy to spot, and although it is called the Pink Moon, it will, rather unfortunately, not be pink.
Instead, it is called the Pink Moon after the flowers that bloom across North America.
Why is it called the Pink Moon?
Despite the name ‘Pink Moon’, the Earth’s natural satellite won’t actually appear pink.
The moniker appears to have sprung from Native American tribes, which had names for the moons based on what was going on around them at the time.
For example, the Pink Moon gets its name from the pink wildflowers which bloom in the US each year in early spring.
Known as phlox subulata, the flower is commonly called creeping phlox or moss phlox and can also be known as ‘pink moss.’
April’s moon can also be referred to as the Egg Moon because spring is egg-laying season.
It is also known as the Sprouting Grass Moon, Fish Moon, the Pesach or Passover Moon, and the Hanuman Jayanti Festival Moon, as it marks a time of renewal and life.
When is the best time to see the Pink Moon?
The best time to see the full moon is Sunday morning at 1.22 am, when the Moon will come out in full force.
This is when it will be its fullest, but it will still appear bright and round for a few nights after.
How often does a full moon occur?
A full moon occurs every 29.5 days and happens when the moon is completely illuminated by the sun’s rays.
It occurs when the Earth is directly aligned between the sun and the moon.
How can I see the blue giant star?
In addition to the beautiful view of the pink moon, stargazers will also get to see the star Spica – a massive blue giant.
To find it, look for the big dipper and follow its handle to find the bright orange star.
Full moon dates for 2025, according to The Royal Observatory
April 13 – Pink moon
May 12 – Flower moon
June 11 – Strawberry moon
July 10 – Buck Moon
August 9 – Sturgeon Moon
September 7 – Harvest Moon
October 7 – Hunter’s Moon
November 5 – Beaver Moon
December 5 – Cold Moon
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