Beyond the Blooms: Discovering the Magic of the Pink Moon in 2024
The fourth full moon of 2024, known as the Pink Moon, will grace the skies this week. From April 22 to April 24, the moon will shine bright and full, casting a spell on all who gaze upon it. The Pink Moon gets its name from the blooming flowers that grace the earth during this time of year, but it is also referred to as the Breaking Ice Moon, Budding Moon, Awakening Moon, and Egg Moon by various cultures.
In Judaism, the Pink Moon is known as the Passover Moon because it marks the beginning of the Jewish festival of Passover (Pesach). Another name for this full moon is the Paschal Moon, which is associated with Easter celebrations. For skywatchers in North America, the best time to see the full moon is on Tuesday when it rises in the east very close to sunset. To catch a glimpse of this celestial beauty, it’s recommended to check your location’s moonrise and moonset times and find a place with a low view of the eastern horizon.
Interestingly enough, many skywatchers in North America were able to witness a rare celestial event during a total solar eclipse on April 8. During this event, they saw an unexpectedly pink hue emanating from beneath a brief eclipse by our planet’s natural satellite. This phenomenon was truly living up to its nickname!
