April's full moon is the Full Pink Moon, but it won't look pink, so why is it called that?

Night Skywatchers

There's something about the night sky that has always fascinated me. I think it's because the night sky is always changing.  It's super cool to see different stars and planets, and different phases of the moon. Every time you look up it's like you see something new.   Each month different full moons have different nicknames, and April is the Full Pink Moon, but the moon isn't pink, so why is it called the "Pink Moon?"

The Full Pink Moon

The full moon that falls in the month of April is known as the Pink Moon, even though the moon itself will not appear pink, there's a pretty neat reason that it's called the Pink Moon. According to Almanac, this time of year everything is in bloom and, well, pink.

Although we wish the name “Pink Moon” had to do with the color of the Moon, the reality is not quite as mystical or awe-inspiring. In truth, April’s full Moon often corresponded with the early springtime blooms of a certain wildflower native to eastern North America: Phlox subulata—commonly called creeping phlox or moss phlox—which also went by the name “moss pink.”

Thanks to this seasonal association, this full Moon came to be called the “Pink” Moon!

When to See the Full Pink Moon

According to Time and Date the Full Pink Moon will appear at 6:48 PM Evansville time.  Even though April 23rd is the actual Full Pink Moon, the moon will appear full for about 3 days to the naked eye, so you've got a few bright nights ahead!