Witness the Celestial Spectacle: April’s ‘Pink Moon’ Arrives – Here’s How to See It
Oregon to Witness the Enchanting ‘Pink Moon’ on Tuesday
In just over two weeks after the awe-inspiring total solar eclipse, Oregon and the world will be graced with another celestial spectacle – the captivating “pink” moon. This full moon will adorn the evening sky on Tuesday, but don’t expect it to actually appear pink. Despite its name, the moon will likely retain its usual golden hue near the horizon, gradually transitioning to a brilliant white as it ascends overhead, as explained by the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
The origin of the moon’s moniker lies in one of the earliest and most widespread flowers of spring. Here’s everything you need to know about this celestial event:
When to See the Pink Moon in Oregon
The pink moon will grace the night sky on Tuesday, April 11th. Across Oregon, the moon will rise at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and bid farewell around 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday. It will reach its peak height in the sky at 12:40 a.m., offering prime viewing conditions.
In specific cities like Eugene and Salem, the moon is expected to rise at 7:10 p.m.
For precise rising and setting times based on your location, visit www.almanac.com/astronomy/moon-rise-and-set and enter your ZIP code.
Where to Look for the Pink Moon
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Assuming clear skies, Oregonians can expect to witness the moon towards the northwest in the sky. This celestial wonder will appear full to our eyes for approximately three days, from Monday morning to Thursday morning, as confirmed by NASA.
Don’t miss this opportunity to marvel at the beauty of the “pink” moon, a celestial event that combines the allure of the night sky with the charm of spring’s blooming flowers.
Unveiling the Origins of the ‘Pink Moon’
Throughout history, various cultures, including Native American tribes, have named the months based on natural observations and cues. Each full moon has its own distinctive name, reflecting its unique characteristics.
According to NASA, the Maine Farmers’ Almanac played a pivotal role in popularizing Native American names for full moons. In the 1930s, the almanac began publishing these names, which have since gained widespread recognition and usage. Among these names, the full moon in April holds a special place as the “pink moon.”
The origin of this moniker lies in a delicate herb known as moss pink, also referred to as creeping phlox, moss phlox, or mountain phlox. This plant, native to the eastern United States, is one of the earliest and most prevalent flowers to bloom during spring.
Full moon and Saturn. pic.twitter.com/ToFtGkUqCD
— MOON LOVER (@the_moon_lovers) April 23, 2024
Creeping phlox thrives in sandy or rocky soils and is often employed as a ground cover, as noted by the Farmer’s Almanac.
Interestingly, the pink moon is also known by other names, such as the sprouting grass moon, the egg moon, and – among coastal tribes of North America – the fish moon. This latter name arises from the observation that shad, a type of fish, would swim upstream during this time to spawn.
So, while the pink moon may not actually appear pink to our eyes, its name serves as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of nature, as well as the rich cultural traditions that have shaped our understanding of the cosmos.
Full Moon Names and Schedule for 2024
In North America, the names of full moons are derived from Native American traditions. The Maine Farmers’ Almanac played a significant role in popularizing these names in the 1930s. Here’s a list of the full moons and their expected occurrence in 2024, as provided by NASA:
- May 23, Flower Moon
- June 21, Strawberry Moon
- July 21, Buck Moon
- Aug. 19, Sturgeon Moon
- Sept. 17, Harvest Moon
- Oct. 17, Hunter’s Moon
- Nov. 15, Beaver Moon
- Dec. 15, Cold Moon
These names reflect the natural phenomena, traditions, and cultural observations associated with each full moon throughout the year.
Additional Celestial Events to Observe
While enjoying the spectacle of the pink moon, sky enthusiasts may also have the opportunity to witness the annual Lyrid meteor shower. This celestial event is expected to peak between Sunday evening and Tuesday morning, offering a chance to glimpse shooting stars streaking across the night sky.
However, it’s important to note that the brightness of the full moon may hinder the visibility of the meteors. Typically, moonless nights provide more favorable conditions for observing meteor showers. Nevertheless, it’s still worth keeping an eye out for these fleeting streaks of light as they grace the heavens.
