SAN ANTONIO – Look up tonight (Wednesday) — April’s full moon, known as the Pink Moon, will shine brightly over South Texas.
Despite its name, don’t expect a rosy-colored moon. The “Pink Moon” gets its title not from its appearance, but from nature itself. It’s named after the early spring bloom of wild ground phlox – often called moss pink – one of the first flowers to carpet parts of North America this time of year.
When to Watch (San Antonio Time)Peak Illumination: 9:12 PM CT, Wednesday, April 1, 2026Moonrise: Around 7:30 PM — low in the eastern sky
The best viewing window begins shortly after moonrise. That’s when the moon is near the horizon and at its most visually striking.
CLICK HERE to share your photos and video…
Why It Looks Golden (Not Pink)
While it won’t turn pink, you may notice a warm golden or orange-red glow as it rises.
That’s thanks to Rayleigh scattering — the same atmospheric effect that gives us vivid sunsets. When the moon is low, its light travels through more of Earth’s atmosphere, filtering out shorter wavelengths and leaving behind those rich, warm tones.
A Celestial Bonus
Tonight’s full moon comes with an extra treat: it will appear in the constellation Virgo, sitting very close to Spica, one of the brightest stars in the night sky. Look for a steady bluish point of light near the moon — that’s Spica.
Why This Moon Matters
The Pink Moon isn’t just beautiful — it’s also important.
It serves as a key seasonal marker used to determine major holidays:
Easter: Falls on Sunday, April 5, 2026 (first Sunday after this full moon)Passover: Begins at sunset tonight, April 1Other Names for April’s Full Moon
Across cultures, this moon has long signaled the transition into spring:
Sprouting Grass Moon — new growth returnsEgg Moon — birds begin laying eggsBreaking Ice Moon — rivers and lakes thawMiss It Tonight?
No problem.
Comment with Bubbles
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
The moon will still appear full and brilliant through tomorrow evening (April 2), giving you another chance to catch the show.