What is the Pink Supermoon and what does it mean for you?
Your timeline is probably filled with "Pink Supermoon" posts lately. Photography afficionados are preparing their cameras, those who follow astrology are preparing their rituals, and so on.
Whether you believe in astrology or not, you might want to look at the sky to witness the beauty of April's full supermoon, or what they call Full Pink Moon in Scorpio, tonight, April 27.
What is a supermoon?
The term "supermoon" was first used by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979. It means that a new or full moon occurs when the moon is at perigee, or the closest point to Earth in its orbit, which then makes the moon appear up to 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter.
How often does a supermoon occur?
In a year, about three or four supermoons occur at either a new moon or full moon. This year, there will be three supermoons: the first is on April 27, called pink supermoon in Scorpio; another is on May 26, called full flower supermoon in Sagittarius (total lunar eclipse); and the last is on June 24, called full strawberry supermoon in Capricorn.
Why is April's full moon called 'Pink' Supermoon?
Before you ask, no, the moon "definitely won't be pink." However, University of Southern Queensland astrophysics professor Jonti Horner told The Guardian that it will appear to be in a reddish tinge if you’re somewhere where pollution is present in the air.
According to NASA, the term "Pink Supermoon" got its name after a native American herb pink moss, also known as creeping phlox, moss phlox, or mountain phlox.
When is the best time to view the supermoon?
Horner said the ideal time to observe the supermoon would be as it rises (in Manila, that's 11:31 am). "Catching it at moon rise is when it's at the most spectacular because it looks big and orange because of the lights coming through the atmosphere," Mr Horner said.
"That's when you really get a feel for the majesty of the full moon," he added.
How will the full moon in Scorpio affect us, astrologically speaking?
It is believed by some astrologers that a supermoon will amplify the astrological traits of your zodiac sign. According to Moon Omens, when full moons occur in Water signs such as Scorpio, "the emotional intensity is heightened." Since Uranus is also present during this time, expect the unexpected such as surprises and changes of plans.
Full moons are known to open our minds and bring clarity. "They show us what we need to know, what we need to address at a certain time," they said.
But this April's full moon, we should let go of our worries and celebrate the new season. "The Full Super Moon in Scorpio is inviting us to surrender to the evolutionary pressure we are experiencing and to embrace change and impermanence, both individually and collectively," they said.
