April’s Super Moon rises in the sky this week, set to be the biggest and brightest of the year. Tonight, a rare ‘Pink Super Moon’ illuminates, and is expected to appear up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than an average Full Moon.
What is a Super Moon?
According to scientists, a super moon is the cosmic combo of a full moon while in close proximity to earth. The moon will be 221,855 miles (357,042 kilometers) away at its fullest Tuesday night, making it appear larger and more brilliant. The moon will be even closer to earth this time around when compared to the super moon in March.
Why is it a ‘Pink Moon’?
April’s super moon is not because of its color, but from the pink Phlox wildflowers that bloom early spring in the US and Canada. The Pink Moon is the first full moon following the Spring Equinox, and is used to fix the date of Easter which is always the following Sunday.
What time will the Pink Moon rise?
The moon will reach be at its closest officially on Tuesday afternoon, so keep an eye out in the evening when the sun sets after 6:07 pm local Belize time. In Belize, the moon will hit peak illumination at 8:33 pm, Tuesday, April 7. Your timezone determines when the Full Moon will hit peak illumination, visible from your porch, backyard or window. Depending on the where you live, the Pink Super Moon may appear on the night of April 7 or the morning of April 8.
How to Moon-Gaze
Tonight, look skyward. Whether it’s outside in your backyard or through a living room window. NASA Scientists reminds everyone that it’s important to stay safe while moon-gazing during the pandemic. “Use this as an opportunity to not physically distance yourself, but emotionally connect with something that is physically far from us.”
The Super Moon will appear full for about three days around this time.
Can’t safely moon-gaze during stay-at-home orders? Not to worry. This spring hosts a string of Super Moons. So if you miss tonight’s lunar show, catch the next one on May 7.
