Science
The April night sky will light in the next few days thanks to the full moon, an astronomical phenomenon that also marks the beginning of Holy Week.
The name of the pink moon comes from a pink wild flower. However, the moon will not change color. (Free Press Photo: EFE)
The Eclipses season of March has come to an end, but the night sky continues to offer fascinating astronomical shows. One of the most anticipated is the Full moon of April, known as Luna Rosawhich will illuminate the sky on April 13, 2025.
Although its name suggests a pink tone, the moon will not change color. The denomination comes from ancient American civilizations that associated this phase with the flowering of the Phlox Subulataa wild flower of pink tones that marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere.
When and how to see it?
According to Mayarí Lemus, of the Guatemalan Association of Engineering and Space Sciences (Agice), The moment of maximum splendor will be at 2.00 on April 13. Although Rosa will not be seen, when he left the horizon, it could be seen with a yellowish tone due to the diffraction of the light, explains Eleonora Poitevin, president of the Guatemalan Association of Astronomy (AGA).
In addition, this phenomenon will have an extraordinary companion: the moon will be in conjunction with Spica, the brightest star of Virgo’s constellation, and even hide it briefly.
The relationship between the full moon and Holy Week
This lunar phase is not only relevant to astronomy, but also for religious traditions, since According to the rules established in the council of Nicea held in 325 AD he Easter or Easter Sunday The first Sunday should be held after the first full moon that occurs after the Spring equinox thus marking the beginning of Holy Week in the Christian calendar.
This means that this year During the first days of Holy Week, the Moon will be full and will illuminate the sky, confirming this traditional association. Good Friday and Holy Saturday will coincide with the end of this lunar phase, which will give way to the waning room on Monday, April 21.
Recommendations to observe it
If you do not want to miss this astronomical phenomenon, we recommend:
- Find high places with little light pollution
- Verify climatic conditions, since cloudiness can affect its visibility
- Take advantage of April 13 to enjoy its maximum brightness