Monica Reed

When you can see the Pink Super Moon this month

Photo: Shutterstock

When you can see the Pink Super Moon this month

It’s one of at least two super moons you’ll see in the skies in 2021, but why is it called a pink moon?

The first of at least two super moons of 2021 is set to appear on April 26. This full moon is also known as the Pink Moon, but it won’t actually be pink.

A super moon occurs when a moon is at its closest approach to the Earth. If you consult The Old Farmer’s Almanac, it says if you go with a broad definition, and only consider full moons and not new moons, there will be two super moons in 2021. But Space.com says full moon within 90% of its closest approach counts. Space.com says there will be four full super moons in 2021.

The best time to see the Pink Super Moon is April 26.  It will be at peak illumination at 10:33 p.m. Find an open area and watch as the moon is just above the horizon.

So what is this Pink Moon? It’s just an expression to indicate the full moon is arriving during the early spring.  When blooms of the North American wildflowers & Phlox subulata, also known as “moss pink.”  The moon is not actually pink.

The next super moon will happen in May. It will be especially fascinating as it will be the closest supermoon of the year (222,116.6 miles) and will coincide with a total lunar eclipse in some places, which means it will take on a reddish look. The Old Farmer’s Almanac says it will happen at 6:14 a.m. on May 26.

Get ready for a show!!!

 

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