April Astronomical Calendar Features Pink Moon and Meteor Shower

After getting off to a slow start with no significant events in the night skies, the April astronomical calendar is springing to life. The rest of the month will feature a full pink moon, the famous Lyrid meteor shower, and more. The warmer temperatures will beckon people to head outside to check out what is happening in the celestial world. Here is a look at what you can expect to see in the skies after the sun goes down over the next few weeks.

Full Pink Moon - April 12 - 13

The first full moon of the astronomical spring will appear in the night sky during the second weekend of April. This particular full moon gets its nicknames from the blooming flowers and plants that distinguish this time of the year as the temperatures creep up. The April moon is most commonly referred to as the Pink Moon due to the wild ground phlox flowers that come out in the spring across eastern portions of North America. The pink and purple petals cover the ground and signal the arrival of spring.

Other nicknames for the April full moon include the Sugar Maker Moon, the Breaking Ice Moon, and the Frog Moon. Stargazers will see this moon appear on the night of Saturday, April 12 and into the early morning hours of April 13. Experts note that this full moon will present smaller than usual due to its location at the farthest point from the Earth in its orbit cycle.