As every year, the moon will be the protagonist of an astronomical and symbolic moment: the arrival of the so -called Rosa in April, a phenomenon that coincides with the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere.
This event occurs when the earth is between the sun and the moon, causing the natural satellite to light completely, reaching its maximum shine point. In some cases, it can be perceived as one of the largest and luminous full moons of the 12 that occur during the year.
The Name Luna Rosa comes from the ancient civilizations of North America, which associated this lunar phase with the flowering of the Phlox Subulataa pink tone wild flower that blooms at this time of year.
Despite its name, this moon does not turn pink; It is called that because it announces the beginning of spring with its unique brightness and the flowering of the moss flowers, as detailed by the Astronomical Almanomic Portal of the old farmer.
According to astronomers, this phenomenon occurs during the Plenilunio, at which time the sun, the earth and the moon are aligned. This year, the Moon will be located between Virgo’s constellation and will reach its total phase on Sunday, April 13.
Aspects of the rose moon
As detailed by the Astronomical Portal Star Walk, the Moon will reach its full phase on April 13 at 2.22 (Guatemala time), at which time exactly 180 degrees opposed to the sun in celestial longitude will be.
The portal indicates that “the full moon is the exact moment in time, but for observers on Earth, the moon seems full for approximately one day before and after that moment.”
Full moon in April in Virgo: an astronomical spectacrosulo with Spica
According to astronomy experts, the arrival of the pink moon this year, as is the case in most cases, will occur in the constellation of Virgo, very close to its most luminous star: Spica.
Star Walk details that, although occasionally this phase can coincide with the constellation of Libra, this only happens when the full moon occurs at the end of the month. A repetition of this phenomenon in 2037 is expected.
The full moon as an announcement of Easter
For Jewish and Christian traditions, this moon has historically been an important sign that announces the proximity of Easter. Since ancient times, the peoples used this astronomical phenomenon to calculate the date of this sacred celebration.
According to the liturgical calendar, the first full moon after March 20, when the spring equinox occurs, is known as the Pascual Full Moon, which this year coincides with the popularly called Luna Rosa.
This moon is key to determining the dates of Holy Week: the following Sunday to the Pascual Luna, Easter or Domingo de Resurrection is celebrated, and the previous Sunday marks Ramos Sunday, with which Holy Week starts in the Christian tradition.
The ancient beans and Catholic used it to calculate the celebration of Easter. (Free Press Photo: Shuttersock)