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The magical blood moon that rose above Melbourne last month left us all pretty starstruck as it took on a moody glow during the rare total lunar eclipse. If you missed the celestial spectacle, don’t worry – another lunar show is on the way.
On Thursday, April 2, the pink moon (or paschal moon) will rise over Australia. Despite the name, the moon itself won’t actually look rosy – it'll glow in its usual silvery brilliance. Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the pink moon in Australia.
What is a pink moon?
The pink moon is named after native pink wildflowers (ground phlox) that bloom across North America in early spring, coinciding with the April full moon. Despite its name, the moon itself won’t actually look pink – it will shine with its usual silvery glow. That said, it can take on a subtle rosy hue if there’s dust or pollution in the atmosphere.
When is the pink moon?
The pink moon will officially rise on Thursday, April 2, around midday. While it peaks at lunchtime, it will appear fuller and more luminous at night (obvs). In Victoria, it will reach its official peak at a poetic 1.11pm – so will likely be looking pretty glowy on both Wednesday, April 1 and Thursday, April 2. You can find the exact timing of your city's moonrise and moonset on TimeAndDate.com.
How to see the pink moon in Melbourne?
When it comes to fully appreciating the full moon, the darker the area you're in, the better. You can find our top spots in this handy guide to the best stargazing spots near Melbourne.