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Pink Moon 2021: Where to see it, how to live stream and all you need to know about the year's first supermoon

Witness the rare phenomenon of the Pink Moon — one of two supermoons scheduled to appear in 2021

If you've been wondering why your social media seems to be flooded with pictures of the moon, there is a pretty good reason for that — April 26 marks the appearance of the 'Pink Moon'. The Pink Moon, which happens to be a full moon, is said to be the biggest and brightest version of the supermoon.

Coined by Richard Nolle in 1979, the term 'supermoon' is colloquial. The American astrologist also claimed that it could cause natural disasters, but it wasn't backed by solid theory. Supermoons happen when a full moon approaches its closest point to the Earth and its orbit or perigee. It appears larger than its usual lunar appearance and is a distinct pink in color, earning it the alternative name, 'Pink Moon.' 

Depending on the weather forecast in your area, it can be seen clearly. Wondering how and when to spot this phenomenon? Keep reading.

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How does one witness this phenomenon?

As reported by NASA, there are multiple times on April 26 that make for the best viewing period. The moon will be opposite the sun at 8:31 pm PT on Monday, April 26.

You can also schedule a viewing at 11:32 pm ET when the Pink Moon is said to be the brightest. You should also be able to enjoy the same post-midnight if your local weather reports clear skies.

You can also watch it virtually 

If you want to catch the Pink Moon rising in all its dramatic glory, you can watch the same via The Virtual Telescope Project, which will live stream the moon rising over Rome starting at 10:15 am PT on Monday, April 26. The live stream will feature the moon rising over Rome's many historic monuments. You can access the live stream via this link. 

As per the website: "The Virtual Telescope Project will bring to you the show of this Supermoon while it shines through the monuments of the Eternal City. You can easily join this exciting, unforgettable experience from the comfort of your home."

What is Pink Moon?

The Pink Moon is actually a supermoon. The term 'supermoon,' which was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 refers to when a full moon or a new moon occurs while within 90% of perigee, its closest approach to Earth.

New moons usually go unseen, except when it passes in front of the Sun. This makes full moons that are supermoons all the more interesting, seeing that they are the biggest and brightest than regular full moons.

Will the moon actually look pink?

Although the name suggests that the moon might look a certain way, the truth is the moon won't look pink or any shade of pink -- it will look like a hue of golden as it usually does and it will transition to white eventually. The reason behind what seems like a rather misleading name has been explained by NASA in a post. As per the same, in the 1930s, the Maine Farmer's Almanac published American Indian Moon names for the months of the year.

The full moon in April thus got the name Pink Moon and is named after herb moss pink, also known as creeping phlox, moss phlox, or mountain phlox. The plant is native to the eastern United States and is one of the earliest widespread flowers of spring. Some of the Pink Moon's other names include Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon and among coastal tribes of North America, the Fish Moon.

As per the Old Farmer AlmanacPi, this supermoon will be one of two this year, the first one is the one occurring now, on April 26 and the second one will be on May 16. For a more accurate timing of when the moon will rise and set in your area, you can use the website's calculator. 

Picturesque clips

Several stunning pictures of the Pink Moon had been shared online. "This morning's almost full supermoon setting over Preston #stormhour #thephotohour #fullmoon #supermoon #pinksupermoon #pinkmoon #pinkmoon2021" tweeted a user. 

"Tonight's Pink Super Full Moon over Clopper Lake (Seneca Creek State Park in Maryland) #PinkMoon #supermoon #fullmoon #supermoon2021 #PinkMoon2021 #SenecaCreekStatePark #MDinFocus #VisitMoCo #MarylandDNR @capitalweather @spann #thePhotoHour #StormHour" tweeted a user. 

"Wow! Rising #PinkSupermoon in London @StormHour @ThePhotoHour @VirtualAstro #FullMoon #pinkmoon #Supermoon #moonhour" added another. "#PINKMOON on the rise. South Carolina. Pic by my son Jeremy" tweeted a user.