{"id":551607,"date":"2026-03-29T03:14:12","date_gmt":"2026-03-29T03:14:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/551607\/"},"modified":"2026-03-29T03:14:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T03:14:12","slug":"when-to-see-pink-moon-lyrid-meteors-bright-comet-over-ky","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/551607\/","title":{"rendered":"When to see pink moon, Lyrid meteors & bright comet over KY"},"content":{"rendered":"

April is a packed month for Kentucky astronomy fans, as stargazers have a chance to see a full \u201cpink\u201d moon<\/a>, the Lyrid meteor shower and what could be the brightest comet of the year.<\/p>\n

The pink moon gets its name not from its hue, but because wildflowers bloom in April. Specifically, a flower commonly referred to as \u201cmoss pink\u201d inspired the name, according to the Old Farmer\u2019s Almanac.<\/p>\n

Full moons have multiple names, and many come from Indigenous cultures. The almanac uses Indigenous moon names, along with monikers from colonial America and other North American sources.<\/p>\n

The full moon will peak<\/a> at 10:12 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time Wednesday, April 1, according to Astronomy.com. The sun will set over Lexington<\/a> at 8 p.m. that day, according to online clock Time and Date.<\/p>\n

In addition to the full moon, the Lyrid meteor shower<\/a> will also be visible during the month. The shower will run April 14 to 30, according to National Geographic, and peak conditions are expected to be overnight from April 21 to 22.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis shower produces about 10 to 15 streaking meteors per hour at peak under dark skies,\u201d National Geographic reports.<\/p>\n

The Lyrid shower comes from debris left behind by Comet Thatcher, according to NASA.<\/p>\n

A different comet, C\/2025 R3, is expected to be visible in the pre-dawn hours from mid-April through the end of the month, although you\u2019ll likely need a telescope or binoculars to see it.<\/p>\n

\u201cApril 17th might be your best chance to see the Comet C\/2025 R3, which some think could be the brightest comet of the year,\u201d NASA reports.<\/p>\n

On April 27, Comet C\/2025 R3 will make its closest approach to Earth<\/a>, according to NASA, and it will come within 44 million miles.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

More full moons in 2026<\/p>\n

After the pink moon, stargazers will have nine more opportunities to see a full moon this year. Here\u2019s when to look, from Astronomy.com:<\/p>\n

Friday, May 1: Flower moonSunday, May 31: Blue moonMonday, June 29: Strawberry moonWednesday, July 29: Buck moonFriday, Aug. 28: Sturgeon moon and partial lunar eclipseSaturday, Sept. 26: Corn moonMonday, Oct. 26: Hunter\u2019s moonTuesday, Nov. 24: Beaver moon (supermoon)Wednesday, Dec. 23: Cold moon (supermoon)<\/p>\n

For those looking to gather with other stargazing fans, the Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club<\/a> will host a stargazing event at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Saturday, April 11 and one at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary Saturday, April 18.<\/p>\n

Before the Raven Run event, you can call 859-272-6105 after 5:30 p.m. the day of to confirm whether it\u2019s still a go, as about 50% of the events are canceled due to weather.<\/p>\n

Do you have a question about the weather or the environment in Lexington or Kentucky for the Herald-Leader? We\u2019d like to hear from you. Email ask@herald-leader.com or fill out our Know Your Kentucky form below.<\/p>\n

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Related Stories from Lexington Herald Leader<\/p>\n


\n \"Profile
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Meredith Howard<\/a><\/p>\n

Belleville News-Democrat<\/p>\n

Meredith Howard is a service journalist with the Belleville News-Democrat. She is a Baylor University graduate and has previously freelanced with the Illinois Times and the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.
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