April's full Pink Moon rising in tonight's sky over Okanagan, Kamloops
The full Moon rising tonight is often referred to as the Pink Moon but don't be surprised if it isn't pink.
The April full Moon has also been called the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon or Fish Moon, among others.
For night sky watchers and photographers hoping to see the full Moon, the weather looks like it will cooperate tonight, April 5. Environment Canada is calling for increasing cloud in Kamloops, clearing skies in Vernon and a few clouds in both Kelowna and Penticton.
The Pink Moon won't actually look pink. It's named after a creeping moss called mountain phlox which is native to the eastern United States and flowers in spring.
READ MORE: iN PHOTOS: Mountain bluebirds are back brightening up Kamloops, Okanagan
Also appearing in the night sky this evening are the planets Venus, Mercury and Mars, along with the orange-tinted star called Pollux, the bright star Sirius and constellation Orion, according to NASA.
Later this month, night sky watchers can look forward to the April Lyrids meteor shower from April 20 to 30, along with appearances by Mercury, Venus, Mars and Saturn.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Shannon Ainslie or call 250-819-6089 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
