Following its dramatic role in the recent total solar eclipse, the moon is back with another celestial performance – the Pink Moon! This captivating full moon will grace the night sky this coming Tuesday evening, offering Jacksonville residents a beautiful sight.
But hold on, won’t the moon look pink?
While the name might conjure up images of a rosy moon, our skywatching experience might be a little different. The Old Farmer’s Almanac clarifies that the moon will likely appear in its “usual golden color near the horizon,” eventually transitioning to a “bright white” as it climbs higher.
So, where does the “Pink” in Pink Moon come from?
This evocative name originates from a beautiful springtime phenomenon – the blooming of phlox, one of the first wildflowers to emerge after winter’s slumber. The delicate pink hues of these early blossoms inspired Native American tribes to name the April full moon after them.
Catching Pink Moon in Jacksonville
Jacksonville residents can expect the Pink Moon to rise in the east shortly after sunset on Tuesday at 7:58 p.m., and it won’t set until 10 minutes after sunrise at 7 a.m. Wednesday.
The moon will be visible if you are looking in the western sky early in the morning.
A history of moon names
The tradition of naming each full moon throughout the year goes back centuries, with many names originating with Native American tribes. These names often reflected the season, weather patterns, or activities associated with that time of year. Here are a few examples:
- January: Wolf Moon - Named for the howling of wolves during this cold winter month.
- February: Snow Moon - Reflects the heavy snowfall often seen in February.
- March: Worm Moon - Refers to the earthworms that emerge as the ground thaws in spring.
- May: Flower Moon - Celebrates the explosion of flowers in May.
- June: Strawberry Moon - Named for the ripening of strawberries in June.
So, while the Pink Moon might not be quite as colorful as its name suggests, it still offers a stunning sight in the night sky.
Mark your calendars for Tuesday evening and head outside to enjoy this beautiful lunar spectacle!