'Pink' Supermoon Rises Tuesday

By Nicholas Gerbis
Published: Monday, April 6, 2020 - 4:19pm
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While sheltering at home, one day can start to feel much like the next. But on Tuesday a "pink" supermoon will rise to remind us that the heavens keep turning.

University of Arizona astrophysicist Tim Swindle places the optimal viewing time at 7:35 p.m. 

The first full moon of spring will be a supermoon — a full moon that coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth.

That brings our natural satellite as much as 14% closer than when it's farthest away.

The result is a lunar disk that is only fractionally larger but can shine 30% brighter.

According to the Farmers' Almanac, the name arises from a wildflower known as "moss pink," which blooms in April.

The Almanac lists other nicknames for the April moon, including the "sprouting grass moon," the "egg moon" and the "fish moon."

Science