April's Full Pink Moon Rises This Week

The spring season's first full moon will peak on Wednesday night.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:10pm

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Sky watchers can soon catch the spring season's first full moon rising in the night sky. April's full pink moon will peak at 10:11 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 3, 2026. Despite the moniker, the silvery orb will appear in its usual brilliant gray hue, with the 'pink' name paying tribute to the early spring bloom of Phlox subulata, a wildflower species native to eastern North America.

Why it matters

Full moons are visible to those in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, and April's full pink moon also marks the first potential launch date in April for Artemis II, the first human mission to journey to the moon's vicinity in over 50 years. This lunar event is an opportunity for sky-watchers to enjoy the natural beauty of the night sky.

The details

The lunar event's rosy name pays tribute to the early spring bloom of Phlox subulata, a wildflower species native to eastern North America that's often called 'moss pink' and typically flowers around April's full moon. The moon may still appear full on Tuesday and Thursday, as full moons are considered to be in the full moon phase up to 12 hours before and after their peak. For the best view, local weather conditions allowing, NASA's Noah Petro suggests finding clear skies and an unobstructed spot away from trees or buildings.

  • April 3, 2026: The full pink moon will peak at 10:11 p.m. ET.
  • April 1-6, 2026: The first potential launch window for the Artemis II mission to the moon.

The players

Noah Petro

Chief of NASA's planetary geology, geophysics and geochemistry laboratory at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

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What they’re saying

“When you look at this full moon, the crew may be on their way. They may have just launched. This will be the last full moon in the pre-Artemis II era, and it will look different not only to the four crew members but to all of us who journey along with them.”

— Noah Petro, Chief of NASA's planetary geology, geophysics and geochemistry laboratory

What’s next

The Artemis II mission, the first human mission to journey to the moon's vicinity in over 50 years, is scheduled to launch during the April 1-6 window, with the full pink moon potentially visible during the launch.

The takeaway

April's full pink moon is a celestial event that not only marks the arrival of spring but also coincides with the first potential launch window for the highly anticipated Artemis II mission, making it a significant moment for both sky-watchers and space enthusiasts alike.