The Pink Moon: A Celestial Guide to April 1, 2026

The full pink moon, the fourth of thirteen full moons scheduled for 2026, is set to reach its full phase on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. This celestial event derives its name from the pink phlox wildflowers that typically bloom in North America during this period of early spring. Despite its moniker, the moon is expected to appear in its characteristic gray hue.

Overview and Peak Visibility

The moon will officially reach its full phase at 10:13 p.m. EDT (7:13 p.m. PDT) on Wednesday, April 1. While this peak phase is specific, the moon may appear full for approximately 12 hours before and after this time, potentially making it visible as a full moon on both Tuesday, March 31, and Thursday, April 2.

For optimal viewing, an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon is recommended, particularly during dusk. Locations such as elevated areas, open fields, or east-facing coastlines can significantly enhance visibility. It is also advised to observe from areas away from significant light pollution.

Specific moonrise and sunset times vary by location:

• Los Angeles: The moment of full moon, sunset, and moonrise are expected to coincide at 7:13 p.m. PDT on April 1.
• New York: Sunset is at 7:20 p.m. EDT, with moonrise occurring at 7:15 p.m. EDT on April 1.

Naming and Cultural Significance

The "pink moon" name originates from Phlox subulata, a wildflower also known as "moss pink," native to eastern North America, which blooms around this time of year.

Various Indigenous communities have their own names for April's full moon:

• Cherokee: "kawohni" (flower moon)
• Hopi: "kwiyamuyaw" (moon of windbreak)
• Assiniboine: "tabehatawi" (frog moon)
• Almanac-reported names: Breaking Ice Moon, Frog Moon, and Sucker Moon

This April full moon is also referred to as the paschal moon, a term associated with the date of Easter. In Western Christian tradition, Easter Sunday is observed on the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox. With the spring equinox occurring on March 20, the pink moon determines that Easter Sunday will fall on April 5, 2026.

Astronomical Context

The pink moon is the fourth of thirteen full moons in 2026. Years with 13 full moons occur due to the difference between a solar year (approximately 365.24 days) and a lunar year (approximately 354.37 days).

On April 2, the day following the full moon, the moon will appear less than two degrees from Spica, which ranks as the 16th brightest star in the night sky. Spica can be located using a star-hopping technique in the Northern Hemisphere during spring and summer. As the pink moon rises and darkness falls, observers can locate the Big Dipper in the northeast, follow the curve of its handle to find Arcturus, and then continue towards the horizon from Arcturus to locate Spica, which will be visible below the pink moon.

Related Celestial Events and Missions

The full pink moon marks the beginning of April's potential launch window for Artemis II, a mission designed to send humans to the moon's vicinity for the first time in over 50 years. This launch period is scheduled from April 1 to April 6, with specific two-hour launch windows each day.

The 2026 full moon calendar includes other notable events:

• March: A "blood moon" total lunar eclipse occurred.
• May 1: The subsequent full moon, known as the "flower moon," is scheduled.
• May 31: A second full moon in May, a "blue moon," will occur.
• November and December: Supermoons are anticipated, with one occurring on Christmas Eve.

Upcoming meteor showers also include:

• Lyrids meteor shower: Peaking between April 21 and 22, offering an estimated 10 to 20 meteors per hour. This shower originates from Comet Thatcher and is best viewed away from city lights.
• Eta Aquariids meteor shower: Peaking on May 5-6, with less than 10 meteors per hour, stemming from Comet Halley.