Skywatchers across the UK will have the chance to see April’s full Pink Moon this week, with the lunar event reaching its peak at 03:12 BST on Thursday 2 April.
Despite its name, the moon is unlikely to appear pink. Instead, observers on the evening of 1 April will see it rise low on the horizon, where it is far more likely to take on an orange hue. This effect occurs because sunlight reflected from the moon passes through a denser layer of Earth’s atmosphere, which scatters blue and violet light and allows only redder wavelengths to reach the eye.
The name “Pink Moon” traces back to traditions in North America, where it was used to mark the appearance of pink ground phlox — a wildflower that blooms widely across the continent during April. Like many traditional full moon names, it served as a seasonal marker for communities that tracked the passage of months through natural events.
Other names for April’s full moon include the Sprouting Grass Moon and the Egg Moon, both signalling the arrival of spring. The full Fish Moon refers to the return of shad fish upstream to spawn, while the Breaking Ice Moon marks the onset of warmer weather.
Weather Forecast
Those hoping to catch a glimpse of the full moon may face mixed conditions. A cold front is forecast to move south across England and Wales on Wednesday night, bringing cloud and rain. The clearest spells are expected in the colder air over Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Why the Pink Moon Determines Easter
This year, Easter falls on 5 April — a date set by astronomical timing. The Christian festival always occurs on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.
While the astronomical equinox fluctuates naturally between 20 and 21 March — this year falling on 20 March — the Christian church uses a fixed date of 21 March for its calculations. With the first full moon after that date being the Pink Moon on 2 April, Easter follows on the subsequent Sunday.
In years when the full moon itself falls on a Sunday, Easter is observed the following Sunday.
The lunar cycle also holds significance in the Jewish calendar. The new moon marks the beginning of each lunar month, with the full moon falling midway through. Passover begins halfway through Nisan, the first month of the calendar, coinciding with the arrival of April’s full moon.
