How to see rare pink ‘micromoon’ that will be visible this weekend
Topics: Space, Science, NASA, Moon, World News
Lucy Devine
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Vicki Smith
Topics: Space, Science, NASA, Moon, World News
April's full moon - aka the first full moon of spring - is set to be visible this weekend, and it's a special one to watch out for.
Space-lovers and star-gazers alike will be pleased to know that the pink 'micromoon' will make an appearance on April 12, and if you want to catch a glimpse of the special sight, you'll need to be looking out at specific times depending on your location.
So, what is a pink moon? And what exactly is a pink micromoon?
Here's everything you need to know before you gaze up to the skies.
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The pink moon isn't actually pink, but there's an interesting reason why it's referred to as a 'pink moon'.
NASA explains that when the Maine Farmer's Almanac began publishing names for the different full moons - back in the 1930s - the names stuck, and are now used to this day.
NASA explains: "According to this almanac, as the full moon in April the tribes of the northeastern United States called this the pink moon, named after the herb moss pink, also known as creeping phlox, moss phlox, or mountain phlox, a plant native to the eastern USA that is one of the earliest widespread flowers of spring."
'Micromoon' refers to how far away the moon is from Earth.
Generally, we tend to hear a lot about 'supermoons' in which the moon looks bigger and brighter. This happens when the lunar disk appears seven percent larger and 15 percent brighter, due to the low point (or perigree) of the moon's orbit.
However, at apogee - its high point - it appears 14 percent smaller and 30 percent dimmer, creating a 'micromoon' instead.
The Farmer's Almanac explains: "Apogee refers to the point when the Moon is farthest from Earth.
"When the full Moon occurs near this point, it’s classified as a 'micromoon'—the opposite of a supermoon. Since this full Moon happens about 22 hours before apogee, it will appear slightly smaller and dimmer than usual."
It's best to look out for a spot with clear skies and as little light pollution as possible.
According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the moon will peak at 8.22pm EDT on Saturday (April 12).
The site explains: "For the best view of this stunning spring moon, head to an open area and watch as it rises above the horizon. At this moment, it will appear larger than usual due to the moon illusion and take on a beautiful golden hue!"