Skygazers could get an Easter treat this Good Friday as spring's annual pink moon graces the night sky.

Despite its name, the April full moon, called the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Fish Moon in other cultures, actually has no apparent colour change.

However, the term pink moon is a Northern Native American reference to an early-blooming wildflower, which starts to pop up in the US and Canada at the start of spring.

Like any full moon, this one should be visible in all its glory, fully illuminated by the sun.

Royal Museums Greenwich say the full moon will reach its peak little after noon, at 12.12pm, though it will be more visible after dusk.


The pink moon is particularly significant because it is used to set the date for Easter, which is the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox.

Anecdotal evidence suggests labour can be induced by the lunar cycle and the start of a full moon, meaning the new full moon could have an impact on the impending royal birth.

Image: The Duchess of Sussex is due in April or May

The Duchess of Sussex, who has said her baby is due in late April or early May, will be counting down the days until she meets her son or daughter.

The suggestion is that a full moon's gravitational pull affects the amniotic fluid in the same way it affects the water in the sea and rivers, as well as influencing the levels of the hormone melatonin.

Maternity wards are said to be busier during a full moon, although there is debate in the medical world about whether the moon does encourage women to go into labour.

The Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to Prince George on 22 July 2013 - the day of a full moon.

Image: Kate and William introducing baby George to the world in 2013

She went into labour with Princess Charlotte two days before a full moon, but with Prince Louis the moon was only in its first quarter.

The next full moon is referred to as the Flower Moon, which takes place on 18 May.