How to see the spring 2019 Pink Moon

Call all amateur astronomers and amateur astronomers: this month, you will enjoy. According to the almanac of Old Farmer, still reliable, a "pink moon" should be visible just before dawn on Friday, April 19th.

There is just one problem of a teenager: this is not Actually pink.

But before throwing your telescopes in the trash, remember that the name confusion mechanism occurs all the time. For example, the Full Strawberry Moon, which arrives later in the year, does not look like a strawberry. This is not red either. And September's Full Corn Moon does not look like an ear of corn either. And the Full Worm Moon – well, you get the picture.

Despite the color, the show remains a wonderful way to go out and celebrate the spring. Here's what you need to know if you want to see it yourself.

Where does the name of the Pink Moon come from?

We know what you think: if the pink nickname does not mean anything, then how does the moon get its name?

It turns out that it actually bears the name of a flowering plant in North America called "pink moss" (or "wild ground phlox"), which tends to flower at about the same time as the appearance of the full moon. The Almanach reminds us that these plants are emerging now, in early spring.

In addition to the colorful business card, the full moon of April has several other names that can be used interchangeably: "moon that grows", "moon with eggs" and "moon with fish".

How can you see this year's Pink Moon?

According to the Almanach, the moon will reach its maximum fullness at 7:12. (EDT) on Friday, April 19th. To see it more clearly, however, you will want to watch it from the night of the 18th, when it will be at "near fullness" and the easiest to see. against the dark night sky.