What’s Up in the Sky in April?
April 2026 brings a “colorful” Full Moon, a beautiful lunar phenomenon, and a couple of eye-catching Moon-planet meetups. Though perhaps the most exciting event for skywatchers worldwide this month is the Lyrid meteor shower.
And it’s not just skywatching—April could also kick off with a rocket launch. NASA’s Artemis II mission may lift off as early as April 1, bringing the long-anticipated crewed lunar flyby one step closer after years of delays.
Your Moon Guide for April 2026 Artemis II will carry a piece of the Wright Brothers’ plane*Naked-eye events. The Night Sky Map links use New York City, USA, as an example location.
April’s Pink Moon
This month’s Full Moon, known as the Pink Moon, reaches peak illumination on April 2 at 02:11 UTC. It follows March’s dramatic Blood Moon, where the Moon turned red during a total lunar eclipse.
Despite the name, April’s Pink Moon won’t actually appear pink. The name is thought to come from pink phlox flowers that bloom in North America around this time of year.
Although the Pink Moon won’t change color, when the Moon is low on the horizon, it can appear yellow or orange since its light passes through more of Earth’s atmosphere. This effect happens anytime the Moon is near the horizon.
The Pink Moon is the first in a trio of “colorful” Moons in 2026. May brings the Blue Moon, followed by June’s Strawberry Moon. Unlike the Blood Moon, however, these names don’t reflect any visible color change.
Earthshine: The Da Vinci Glow
Around the New Moon on April 17, keep an eye out for a subtle but beautiful effect known as earthshine. This phenomenon gives the unlit part of the Moon facing Earth a ghostly glow.
Earthshine occurs when sunlight reflects off Earth and illuminates the unlit portion of the Moon’s disk. It’s best seen a few days before and after a New Moon. Have a look for the lunar glow on the mornings of April 13–14, shortly before sunrise, and the nights of April 20–21, just after sunset.
This effect is often more noticeable in April and May. Earthshine varies in strength through the year, depending on how much light Earth reflects.
Earth’s light tends to be strongest in Northern Hemisphere spring. According to NASA, this is because the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun during this period, and lingering snow and ice reflect more of the Sun’s light onto the Moon.
Earthshine is also known as “the old Moon in the new Moon’s arms” or the Da Vinci glow, after Leonardo Da Vinci, who accurately explained the phenomenon in the early 16th century.
Lyrid Meteor Shower
April isn’t just about the Moon—there’s also a chance to see shooting stars.
This year, the Lyrid meteor shower is active from April 14 to 30, peaking around April 22–23.
The Lyrids are one of the oldest recorded meteor showers and are named after the constellation Lyra, from which the meteors appear to radiate. They can be seen from both hemispheres, though they are generally best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere.
Luckily, the Moon will make itself scarce for the first part of the Lyrids window; the New Moon on April 17 means dark skies during the early part of the shower. By the peak, the Moon will have almost reached its First Quarter phase, but it will set before dawn—leaving a window of dark, ideal viewing conditions.
The best time to watch is a couple of hours before sunrise, when the sky is darkest, and the meteor rate is highest. For viewers in North and South America, the ideal viewing time may fall before dawn on April 22, while for viewers in Europe and Asia, it might be better to try and spot the Lyrids before dawn on April 23.
For better viewing conditions, find a location away from city lights and allow your eyes time to adjust to the darkness.
Tips for watching meteor showersIf you’re not an early riser, and you don’t mind a little Moon glow washing out the fainter meteors, then you can also enjoy a Moon-Jupiter meetup on April 22 while watching for shooting stars.
April Stargazing
This month features a couple of eye-catching Moon-planet meetups.
First up, the barest hint of the Waxing Crescent Moon appears close to bright Venus on April 18 or 19 (depending on your location), just after sunset. As the sky darkens while this beautiful pairing descends towards the horizon, the misty stars of the Pleiades will become visible above Earth’s sister planet.
Next, on April 22—during the peak of the Lyrids—Jupiter appears beside the almost First Quarter Moon in the evening sky. Look for this duo in the constellation of Gemini. See what it looks like from the perspective of New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Full Moon in April 2026?
The Full Moon, known as the Pink Moon, occurs on April 2, 2026, at 02:11 UTC.
Will the Moon actually appear pink?
No, the Pink Moon will not change color. The name comes from the blooming of pink phlox wildflowers in North America around this time of year—not the Moon’s appearance.
What is earthshine and when can I see it?
Earthshine is a soft glow on the unlit part of the Moon’s disk caused by sunlight reflecting off Earth.
In April 2026, it’s best seen around the New Moon on April 17, particularly on the mornings of April 13–14 shortly before sunrise and the nights of April 20–21, not long after sunset.
When is the Lyrid meteor shower in 2026?
The Lyrids are active from April 14–30, with a peak on the night between April 22–23.
Will the Moon affect visibility of the Lyrids in 2026?
The Moon will have minimal impact early in the meteor shower due to the New Moon on April 17. Around the peak, the Moon will be almost in its First Quarter phase but will set before dawn, allowing for darker skies during the best viewing hours.