full moon
In April, the full Moon is known under the name "Pink Moon". Pacific Press/Getty

On the night of 21 April 2016, the so-called 'Pink Moon' will appear in the night's sky. The April full moon will be the smallest full moon of the year, commonly referred to as 'mini-moon'.

At this time, the full moon will be at its furthest point away from Earth, some 50,000km (30,000 miles) farther than this year's closest full moon, which will occur on 14 November 2016. This "super moon" will actually be the biggest and closest to our planet than any others in the 21st century.

Why pink?

The tradition of calling the April's full moon a pink moon dates back to ancient tribes of native Americans, who gave poetic, colourful name to each full moon.

These names were symbols of the changes happening in their natural environment. Moon cycles were followed closely to keep track of the passing of time, with every full moon marking a particular moment in time.

pink moon flowers
The "pink moon" is associated to the rebirth of moss pink flowers The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images

The Farmers' Almanac, a North American periodical published since 1818 lists all the names of the different full moons, as they were known by the Algonquin tribe who lived in regions from New England to Lake Superior. Although other tribes used other names, the Algonquin denominations, were the ones that Colonial Americans mostly adopted.

Associated with Spring, life and nature's rebirth, the pink moon was so called in honour of some of the first spring flowers to appear, the moss pink, or wild ground phlox. Other tribes called it also the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, or the Fish Moon, other clear references to Spring time. It does not mean the moon will turn pink. This year the mini moon occurs in April, hence the full name of mini pink moon.

Where can I watch it?

You can watch the mini pink moon live online on Slooh's website. The event will be broadcast from Slooh's observatory in the Canary Islands, in collaboration with the Farmers' Almanac, at 01:00 AM UK time.

Experts will be interviewed to explain why the moon appears to change in size throughout the year, leading to this mini moon annually. Alternatively you can watch the live below:

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