April's enchanting Pink Moon set to illuminate night skies

The Pink Moon is a unique phenomenon that captures the attention of astronomy enthusiasts from around the world every year. Although its name might imply that the Moon will turn pink, it does not involve an actual colour change. The Pink Moon is a traditional name for the April full moon, originating from the culture of the indigenous people of North America, who named it after the blooming wild phlox flowers at this time of year – pink flowers heralding the arrival of spring.

The Pink Moon occurs once a year, most often in April, although the exact date depends on the Moon's phases and may shift slightly. From an astronomical perspective, this phenomenon is no different from other full moons, but its uniqueness primarily stems from its symbolism and natural beauty. This year, an added attraction will be the fact that the Moon will shine particularly brightly, and with good weather, you can expect a remarkably picturesque view.

Importantly, the Pink Moon will also be perfectly visible from the territory of the UK. It is best to plan your observation for the late evening and night time when the Moon's disc is high in the sky. No specialised tools are needed for this – just look with the naked eye towards the eastern horizon just after dusk. For more advanced observers, binoculars or a telescope might be helpful in seeing more details on the surface of the Silver Globe.

It's worth setting aside a moment to stop and look at the sky – the Pink Moon is not just an astronomical phenomenon, but also a subtle reminder of nature's variability and the cycles that have accompanied humans for centuries. In addition to the Pink Moon in April, we will also have the opportunity to observe the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower, occurring on the night of 21st to 22nd April.