A ‘pink moon’ will peak this week. Here’s when you can catch a glimpse in Wichita
The full moon in early April will be a “hopeful sign of spring,” the Farmers’ Almanac says, and it’s associated with the new season’s influx of blooming flowers.
It’s called the “pink moon,” and Wichita area residents will have the chance to see it peak in the coming days.
“As usual, the wearing of suitably celebratory celestial attire is encouraged in honor of the full Moon,” NASA’s website reads. “Enjoy the spring flowers, consider acts of charity, be welcoming and leave an extra seat at the table, and avoid starting any wars.”
Here’s when to look for the pink moon in Wichita, plus more celestial events to check out soon.
When to see the pink moon in Wichita
The pink moon will peak at 11:35 p.m. Wednesday, NASA reports, and it will appear full from Tuesday evening to Friday morning.
The National Weather Service Wichita office forecasts a “mostly clear” but relatively cold Wednesday night, with a low around 30 degrees. Thursday will be sunny, the NWS forecasts, with a high around 60 degrees.
This full moon determines the date of Easter, which is April 9 this year. Easter is celebrated the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring after the spring equinox.
The “pink moon” is also known by several other names, depending on who you ask. Here are some of its other names:
Paschal moon (meaning moon related to Easter)
Peony moon (sometimes used in China)
Moon of blackberry (Choctaw of southeastern U.S.)
Budding moon of plants and shrubs (Tlingit of pacific northwest)
Although it won’t be open for the pink moon’s peak, you can stop by Lake Afton Public Observatory in Goddard from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are accepted but not required, and admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 5 to 13 and $7 for seniors.
More full moons in 2023
After April’s pink moon, stargazers will have nine more chances to catch a full moon this year. Four will be supermoons, and one will be a blue moon.
Here’s when to look, with information from Space.com:
May 5: Flower moon
June 3: Strawberry moon
July 3: Buck supermoon
Aug. 1: Sturgeon supermoon
Aug. 30: Blue supermoon (appears biggest and brightest of the year)
Sept. 29: Harvest supermoon
Oct. 28: Hunter’s moon
Nov. 27: Beaver moon
Dec. 26: Cold moon
These moons have multiple names, and many come from Indigenous cultures. The Farmers’ Almanac uses Indigenous moon names, along with monikers from colonial America and other North American sources.
