Meteor Shower And 'Pink Moon' Will Dazzle NJ Skies In April: When To Look

The New Jersey skies will offer free entertainment in April, scientists say, with a "pink moon," fiery meteor shower, and other celestial delights.

Here are tips for when and how to view the sights.

'Pink Moon'

The first full moon of spring is known as the "pink moon." Don't expect it to be pink (it's named after a spring wildflower called pink moss), but it may seem extra large this month. The Old Farmer's Almanac explains: "At this moment, it will appear larger than usual due to the Moon illusion and take on a beautiful golden hue!"

This year's pink moon rises on April 1. The Almanac suggests heading to an open area to watch it rise above the horizon. In New Jersey, the pink moon will rise around 5:06 p.m. Wednesday.

Planning For Planets

Some of the planets will be extra bright this month, scientists say.

NASA notes that on April 3, "Mercury will be at its most visible all year. On this date, the planet will be at its greatest elongation, or its furthest distance from the sun, as we see it from Earth, making it easier to see."

Need a viewing tip? NASA suggests looking east before the Sun begins to rise. Mercury will hang low on the horizon, just above Mars.

In New Jersey, sunrise on Friday will be at 6:37 a.m.

Meteors And Comets

NASA also suggests watching for these celestial treats:

• April 17: Best chance to see Comet C/2025 R3
• April 21 to 22: Lyrid meteor shower peak
• April 27: Comet C/2025 R3 makes closest approach to Earth

The Lyrid meteor shower is one of the oldest on record, having been observed and noted for 2,700 years. It's expected to peak overnight from April 21 to 22, but can be seen other nights.

What's special about the Lyrid meteors? Observers may note 100 soaring through the sky at once, which could produce a bright flash or fireball.

"The Lyrids are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere during the dark hours (after moonset and before dawn)," NASA advises. "Find an area well away from city lights or street lights. Come prepared with a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair."

The shower can appear any time from dusk to dawn.

The comets are coming as well.

NASA notes, "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. This comet will make its closest approach to Earth on April 27th, coming within 44 million miles of our planet."

NJ Events

Rutgers and other New Jersey universities occasionally open their observatories to the public. Rutgers says viewers can come peep at the planets and constellations on the second, third, and fourth Thursday in April. Find out more here.

Got a photo of any of these sky shows taken from New Jersey? Submit it to Patch and let us know where you took it.