Lunar lovers are in for a treat as the biggest full moon of the year, the Super Pink Moon, will grace the globe on April 8.

This dazzling sight gets its name from the moss-pink flowers that bloom in the northern hemisphere during the early spring. Other names for the spectacle include the Egg Moon, Sprouting Grass Moon or the Fish Moon. In the northern hemisphere it marks the first full moon of spring.

On April 8 at roughly 4.35am in the morning, the Super Pink Moon will be visible in South Africa’s skies.

Usually locals are encouraged to safely venture further from the bright lights of the city during the evening as this will allow for the best viewing opportunity, but due to the 21-day lockdown residents are asked to stay home and view the lunar spectacle from the privacy of their own homes.

Although it is called the Super Pink Moon, it is not pink in colour, but it will be the biggest full moon of the 2020 lunar calendar.

A full moon becomes a Super Full Moon when it is at its closest point to Earth. When there is a New Moon around the closest point to Earth, it is known as a Super New Moon.

Did you know?

According to TimeandDate.com the Supermoon is not an official astronomical term. It was first coined by an astrologer, Richard Nolle, in 1979. He defined it as ‘a New or a Full Moon that occurs when the Moon is at or near (within 90% of) its closest approach to Earth in its orbit’. It is not clear why he chose the 90% cut off in his definition.

 

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