Rare Pink Moon to Illuminate the Sky in April 2024: The April full moon in 2024 is Tuesday, April 23. Due to its calendar position, many cultures consider it important and call it by several names. The US calls it “pink moon.”
The moon does not change color, yet it can appear mauve to the naked eye. During a lunar eclipse, light passing through our atmosphere may turn the moon red or pink. Shorter blue light wavelengths scatter more, causing reddish hues to dominate.
Although no eclipse is occurring, the appellation “pink moon” originates from local legend.
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The rationale behind the moniker “pink moon”
Indigenous cultures give full moon names. Biological cycles and tribal practices inspire full moon names.
Algonquins in eastern North America invented the Pink Moon. Indigenous tribes acquired lunar names from seasonal changes by observing nature.
April’s #fullmoon is called the ‘Pink Moon’ and rises on the night of 23rd April 2024. Native Americans gave it this name because it coincides with the blooming of Phlox subulata, which bursts into flower around this time. It is also known as the ‘Budding Moon’. #nature #folklore pic.twitter.com/cEI0XOYbL8
— VenetiaJane’s Garden (@VenetiaJane) April 22, 2024
The creeping phlox (also known as moss pink or phlox subulata), a bright wildflower, may have inspired “Pink Moon”. This lovely ground cover blooms pink during the early spring April full moon.
The full moon of April in various cultures
According to the Royal Museum of Greenwich, alternative designations for this lunar equinox exist in other cultures, including the Fish Moon, Sprouting Grass Moon, and the Egg Moon. All of these are associated with April’s designation as the onset of spring on the calendar.
Full Moon in April 2024: Date and Spiritual Significance Explained
