science
April Pink Moon arrives but it will not turn pink
The full Moon commonly called the Pink Moon appears at the end of March and start of April; the name reflects spring flowers, and any color shifts are caused by atmosphere or eclipses rather than the Moon changing color.
Apr 1st 2026 · United States
Insights
- The name Pink Moon comes from spring phlox flowering in North American tradition, not from the Moon changing color.
- This year's full moon appears around March 31 to April 2 in many time zones and will then wane.
- Astronomically, full moons have no official names; popular names come from cultural and seasonal traditions.
- A Blue Moon means a second full moon in a single month and happens about every 2.4 years, not that the Moon turns blue.
- Atmospheric scattering, dust or smoke and lunar eclipses can alter the Moon's apparent color to yellow, orange or red, but the Moon itself remains its usual grayish tone.