A ‘pink moon’ will peak in Kentucky this week. What that means and when to spot it
The full moon in early April will be a “hopeful sign of spring,” the Farmers’ Almanac says, and it’s associated with the new season’s influx of blooming flowers.
It’s called the “pink moon,” and Central Kentucky residents will have the chance to see it peak in the coming days.
“As usual, the wearing of suitably celebratory celestial attire is encouraged in honor of the full Moon,” NASA’s website reads. “Enjoy the spring flowers, consider acts of charity, be welcoming and leave an extra seat at the table, and avoid starting any wars.”
Here’s when to look for the pink moon in the Lexington area, plus more celestial events to check out soon.
When to see the pink moon in Lexington
The pink moon will peak at 12:35 a.m. Thursday, NASA reports.
The National Weather Service Louisville office forecasts Lexington residents may see showers and possibly a thunderstorm Wednesday night, with an 80% chance of rain and a low around 48 degrees. Thursday will also be rainy, the NWS forecasts, with a high near 59 degrees and a 60% chance of rain.
Although Lexington may be rainy for the pink moon’s peak this year, it will appear full until Friday morning, so you may have a chance to get a better view.
This full moon determines the date of Easter, which is April 9 this year. Easter is celebrated the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring after the spring equinox.
The “pink moon” is also known by several other names, depending on who you ask. Here are some of its other names:
Paschal moon (meaning moon related to Easter)
Peony moon (sometimes used in China)
Moon of blackberry (Choctaw of southeastern U.S.)
Budding moon of plants and shrubs (Tlingit of pacific northwest)
The Bluegrass Amatuer Astronomy Club has two stargazing events scheduled for this month. The club will hold a gathering April 15 at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill and another at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary April 22, weather permitting.
More full moons in 2023
After April’s pink moon, stargazers will have nine more chances to catch a full moon this year. Four will be supermoons, and one will be a blue moon.
Here’s when to look, with information from Space.com:
May 5: Flower moon
June 3: Strawberry moon
July 3: Buck supermoon
Aug. 1: Sturgeon supermoon
Aug. 30: Blue supermoon (appears biggest and brightest of the year)
Sept. 29: Harvest supermoon
Oct. 28: Hunter’s moon
Nov. 27: Beaver moon
Dec. 26: Cold moon
These moons have multiple names, and many come from Indigenous cultures. The Farmers’ Almanac uses Indigenous moon names, along with monikers from colonial America and other North American sources.
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