Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has grounded us, many people are drawing comfort from nature and the world around and above us. One lunar event that should not be missed is the year's biggest and brightest super pink moon, which you can watch from the safety of your window.
A full moon occurs every 29 days when the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth to the sun, meaning that its face is fully illuminated. This month's full moon is also called a super moon because it will be at the closest point to Earth on its elliptical orbit, making it appear much larger and brighter than usual. The pink April super moon will be the biggest and brightest of the entire year, but it is not actually pink in colour.
It received its name because the full moon in April was known as the pink moon by Native American tribes, who tracked the changing seasons by the lunar months rather than the solar calendar. They named it after the fuschia-coloured phlox subulata wildflower, which blooms in spring. It is also known as the egg moon, sprouting grass moon, fish moon and hare moon.
Lovers of the solar system have been spoiled over the past year as we've enjoyed dramatic lunar events that included last month's super worm moon, a black supermoon, a super snow moon, a full cold moon kiss and a super blood wolf eclipse.
The best time to look out for the super pink moon is at 10.35pm EDT on 7 April/2.35am UTC on 8 April. If you miss it, don't worry as another one will be along next month. May's moon is the third super moon in a row, and it will be known as the super flower moon and will occur on 7 May.
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