April is a packed month for Kansas astronomy fans, as stargazers have a chance to see a full “pink” moon, the Lyrid meteor shower and what could be the brightest comet of the year.
The pink moon gets its name not from its hue, but because wildflowers bloom in April. Specifically, a flower commonly referred to as “moss pink” inspired the name, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
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.
The full moon will peak at 9:12 p.m. Central Daylight Time Wednesday, April 1, according to Astronomy.com. The sun will set over Wichita at 7:52 p.m. that day, according to online clock Time and Date.
In addition to the full moon, the Lyrid meteor shower 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.
“This shower produces about 10 to 15 streaking meteors per hour at peak under dark skies,” National Geographic reports.
The Lyrid shower comes from debris left behind by Comet Thatcher, according to NASA.
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’ll likely need a telescope or binoculars to see it.
“April 17th might be your best chance to see the Comet C/2025 R3, which some think could be the brightest comet of the year,” NASA reports.
On April 27, Comet C/2025 R3 will make its closest approach to Earth, according to NASA, and it will come within 44 million miles.
More full moons in 2026
After the pink moon, stargazers will have nine more opportunities to see a full moon this year. Here’s when to look, from Astronomy.com:
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’s moonTuesday, Nov. 24: Beaver moon (supermoon)Wednesday, Dec. 23: Cold moon (supermoon)
For those looking to gather with other stargazing fans, the Kansas Astronomical Society will host its monthly meeting from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at Lake Afton Public Observatory.
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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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