NASA Tracks Sun to Protect Artemis II Crew
NASA will monitor the Sun to safeguard Artemis II crew during their journey around the Moon, tracking radiation levels inside Orion spacecraft.
Tonight’s faint waxing crescent moon phase will offer stunning views of the brilliant Jupiter in the Western sky as it approaches the first full moon phase of spring – the April pink moon, followed be the spectacular Lyrid meteor shower on Earth Day.
The first full moon of spring is also known as the Paschal moon or Passover moon, which determines the date of Easter. This year the pink moon will rise just days ahead of Easter Sunday.
Here’s what to know about tonight’s moon phase and celestial events and when to watch the full pink moon in April 2026.
Is there a full moon tonight? March 2026 moon phases
Tonight, March 20, 2026 the moon is a faint waxing crescent phase, at near 3% illumination as it nears the full moon phase on April 1.
- 🌑 New moon: March 19
- 🌓 First quarter: March 25
- 🌕 Full moon: April 1
- 🌗 Last quarter: April 10
When is the next full moon 2026? April pink moon
The pink moon will reach peak illumination on Wednesday, April 1 at 10:12 p.m., according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. To catch a glimpse, simply look toward the eastern horizon after sunset.
Click here to see moonrise and moonset times in your area.
Why is the April full moon called the pink moon?
April’s full moon is called the pink moon, not because it will actually be pink, but rather because it coincides with the blooming of early spring flowers, specifically the creeping phlox, vibrant pink-colored wildflowers in North America.
Origins of April’s full ‘pink moon’ name
Like April’s “pink moon,” each full moon has its own name, dating back to ancient practices where people all over the world named them.
The pink moon carries deeper cultural significance in both Christian and pagan traditions, symbolizing a transition in season as well as rebirth, growth and spiritual renewal.
When is the first day of spring? Spring equinox 2026
The first day of spring or spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere will occur on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 10:46 a.m. ET.
The spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, is the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator, marking the start of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere, resulting in nearly equal hours of day and night globally due to the Earth’s axial tilt.
When is the Lyrid meteor shower 2026?
The Lyrid meteor showers occur ever year between April 16-25 and peaking around the 22nd – Earth Day, this year. It is the oldest recorded meteor shower (first recorded in 687 BCE) and still visible today.
The best time to watch the Lyrids this year will be during the early, predawn hours of April 22nd at its peak, albeit they will also be visible the night before and after.
The Lyrids are expected to produce good rates of zipping meteor activity for three nights around its peak and while they usually lack persistent trains, they can produce fireballs.
The Lyrid meteor shower will overlap into the next stronger meteor shower — Aquariids — which begin April 19 lasting till May 28 with their peak night falling on May 5-6.
How is Easter date determined every year? What is the Paschal moon
Easter is a “moveable feast” that follows the lunar cycle of the Jewish calendar, the Almanac says.
The holiday’s date is always the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox — dubbed the Paschal full moon. This year’s astronomical date of the equinox is Friday, March 20 and the April 1 full moon will be the first since then, and the first Sunday after it is April 5 — Easter Sunday 2026.
When is the full moon in May 2026?
This year’s month of May will experience two full moons, the first full flower moon will rise on Friday, May 1 and the second – a blue moon – will rise on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
