April 2026 Moon Phases: Complete Calendar, Pink Moon, Lyrids & Best Stargazing Nights

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Quick Answer

In April 2026, the full Pink Moon falls on April 2 at 02:12 UTC, and the new moon occurs on April 17 at 11:52 UTC. The third quarter moon is on April 10 and the first quarter on April 24. The Lyrid meteor shower peaks on the night of April 22–23 with favorable viewing conditions thanks to a waxing crescent moon that sets shortly after midnight, leaving the pre-dawn hours dark. The best stargazing nights fall in the week surrounding the new moon on April 17 — roughly April 14 to 20.

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April 2026 Moon Phase Calendar

The following table shows the moon phase for each day of April 2026, along with approximate illumination percentages. Use this as your daily guide for planning observations, photography, and outdoor activities.

Moonrise and moonset times are approximate for 40°N latitude. Times vary significantly by location. Consult a local almanac for precise times.

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Key Moon Phase Dates for April 2026

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Full Pink Moon: What the Name Means

The April full moon is universally known as the Pink Moon, but this name has nothing to do with the Moon's color. The name comes from the pink wildflower Phlox subulata, commonly called moss phlox or creeping phlox, which blooms across eastern North America in early spring. This low-growing plant carpets meadows and hillsides with vibrant pink blossoms, and Native American tribes — particularly the Algonquin — associated its appearance with the April full moon.

Other Traditional Names for the April Full Moon

Different cultures have their own names for April's full moon, many tied to seasonal indicators:

Will the Moon Actually Look Pink?

Not really. The Moon itself does not change color based on its phase name. However, atmospheric conditions can give any moon — including the Pink Moon — a warm hue. When the Moon is low on the horizon, its light passes through a thicker layer of atmosphere, scattering shorter blue wavelengths and allowing longer red and orange wavelengths to dominate. This effect, called atmospheric refraction, can make the Moon appear golden, orange, or even pinkish at moonrise and moonset. The effect is the same for every full moon and is not specific to April.

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Lyrid Meteor Shower and Moon Conditions

The Lyrid meteor shower is one of the oldest documented meteor showers, with records dating back over 2,700 years to ancient Chinese astronomers in 687 BCE. It runs annually from approximately April 16 to April 25, with peak activity around April 22–23.

2026 Lyrid Forecast

In 2026, the Lyrids get workable moon conditions. On the night of April 22–23, the Moon is a waxing crescent at roughly 35–40% illumination — it sets shortly after midnight local time, so the pre-dawn hours when meteor activity is highest will be moonless and dark. The evening hours will carry some moonlight, but conditions improve sharply after moonset.

Tips for Watching the Lyrids

1. Get away from city lights. Light pollution is the single biggest enemy of meteor watching. Drive at least 20–30 miles from major urban areas.

2. Look toward the radiant — but not directly at it. Meteors near the radiant have shorter trails. Looking 30–40 degrees away from Lyra gives you the best chance of seeing bright, long-streaking meteors.

3. Allow 20–30 minutes for dark adaptation. Avoid looking at your phone or any white light. Red-filtered flashlights preserve night vision.

4. Lie flat and look up. A reclining lawn chair or blanket on the ground is ideal. The more sky you can see, the more meteors you'll catch.

5. Be patient. The Lyrids produce roughly one meteor every 3–4 minutes under dark skies. They occasionally surprise with bright fireballs.

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Best Stargazing Nights in April 2026

The darkest and best nights for deep-sky observation fall around the new moon. In April 2026, the prime stargazing window runs from approximately April 14 through April 20, centered on the April 17 new moon.

Recommended Deep-Sky Targets for April Nights

April evenings feature some of the most celebrated objects in the northern sky as the winter constellations set and spring constellations rise:

Stargazing Quality by Night

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Moonrise and Moonset Times by City

Moonrise and moonset times vary significantly by location. The table below provides approximate times for the full Pink Moon on the night of April 1–2, 2026 (full moon April 2 at 02:12 UTC — so the moonrise happens on the evening of April 1 in most of the world).

Times are approximate and may vary by several minutes depending on exact location within each city. Daylight saving time is in effect for most Northern Hemisphere locations in April.

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Gardening by the Moon in April

Moon-phase gardening is an ancient practice that remains popular among home gardeners and organic farmers. While scientific evidence is mixed, the underlying logic draws on observable phenomena — notably, the Moon's gravitational influence on soil moisture and the correlation between lunar cycles and plant growth rhythms.

The Basic Principles

• Plant above-ground crops during the waxing Moon (new moon to full moon, April 13–27). The theory holds that increasing moonlight stimulates leaf growth and that rising moisture levels encourage seed germination.
• Plant below-ground crops during the waning Moon (full moon to new moon, April 1–13 and April 14–27). The decreasing light is said to direct energy downward into roots.
• Avoid planting on the exact day of the full moon or new moon, when gravitational forces are in transition.

April 2026 Gardening Calendar

What to Plant in April by Moon Phase

Waxing Moon (late April 28–30): Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, kale, chard), brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower), annual flowers (marigolds, zinnias, cosmos), and vine crops (peas, pole beans).

Waning Moon (early and mid-April): Root vegetables (carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, potatoes), bulb flowers (tulips, daffodils — though it's late for bulbs), and perennials you want to establish strong root systems.

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