Don't Miss the Super Pink Moon Coming in April 2021

The weather is warming up in many parts of the world, which means people are eager to get outside. If you're looking for an outdoor activity to look forward to this spring, mark your calendar for the super pink moon on April 26, 2021.

What Is a Super Pink Moon?

A super moon occurs when the moon's full phase coincides with its perigee, or the point in its orbit when it comes closest to Earth. The fully lit disc of the moon combined with its relatively short distance from our planet makes it appear especially large and bright in the night sky.

Though the full moon will look extra spectacular in April, don't expect its color to be any different. The name pink moon describes the first (and typically only) full moon in April, and it has nothing to do with the moon's hue. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, the name comes from a North American wildflower species called moss pink that typically blooms early in the month.

How to See the Super Pink Moon

The super pink moon will rise on the night of Monday, April 26, and be visible through Tuesday, April 27. The exact moment of perigee falls at 11:31 p.m. EDT, but you don't have to stay up that late to catch the event. Thanks to the moon illusion, the moon tends to appear biggest when it's just above the horizon.

The super pink moon is the first of a series of three consecutive super moons this year. Look up for the next ones on May 26 and June 24.