‘Pink micromoon' hovers over San Diego
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — On Saturday, San Diegans — at least those in areas with minimal cloud cover — were treated to a celestial spectacle as April's full 'pink moon' rose over the horizon. It was also considered a 'micromoon'—a phenomenon where the moon appears slightly smaller and dimmer due to its position at the farthest point from Earth in its orbit.
The 'pink moon' reached its peak illumination at 5:22 p.m. locally, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac. Despite its name, the 'pink moon' doesn't necessarily give off a pink hue; instead, the name originates from the blooming of pink phlox flowers during this time of year.
It's also considered a 'micromoon' because this year's 'pink moon' was approximately 252,225 miles away from Earth, as explained by The Old Farmer's Almanac. This distance is about 6% greater than the average full moon, making it appear slightly smaller and dimmer in the night sky.
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For observers in San Diego, the moon rose in the east-southeastern sky shortly before 7:30 p.m., offering a view of this unique lunar event. The photo below, captured by Jim Grant, was taken from San Diego's Linda Vista area on Saturday.
The 'pink moon' holds cultural significance as well, according to Almanac. In Christianity, it's known as the 'Paschal Full Moon,' as it's the first ecclesiastical full moon of spring (after the equinox). Almanac explains that the moon also determines the date of Easter this year.
Looking ahead, the next full moon will occur on May 12, traditionally known as the Flower Moon, marking the peak of spring's floral bloom.
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