There Was A "Pink" Supermoon Last Night And These Photos Capture How Beautiful It Was

    [Extreme Lady Gaga voice]: Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular and totally unique.

    Isha Bassi
    by Isha Bassi

    Entertainment Producer

    In case you missed it, a beautiful full moon was visible over Australian skies last night.

    A pink super moon rises over Bondi Beach on April 26, 2021 in Sydney, Australia.
    Brook Mitchell / Getty Images

    But, it wasn't just any moon — it was a "pink" supermoon, which happens when a full moon is in perigee — aka at its closest point to Earth in its orbit.

    During this phenomenon, the full moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it is located at its farthest point from Earth.

    The supermoon rises behind a building tower behind the Sydney City CBD
    Steven Saphore / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images

    While most were expecting the moon to turn a shade of pink, that's actually a common misconception. The term "pink moon" is used in North America, as it refers to the colour of phlox flowers, which bloom right around this time.

    Steven Saphore / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images, Wolfgang Kaehler / Getty Images

    In The Guardian, Australian astrophysicist Professor Jonti Horner explained that "In the United States, there's a tendency towards using the names that Native Americans have for full moons."

    Like other cultures, Native Americans would name the full moons throughout the year as a way to keep track of time.

    But even though the supermoon didn't turn pink, it was still a beautiful sight to see.

    tim ritchie @timritchie

    With the hazard reduction burn off smoke haze, the pink moon was outdone by the pink dawn at Sydney’s Balmain.

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    Twitter: @timritchie
    The supermoon rises behind the Sydney Opera House
    James D. Morgan / Getty Images

    For some, it even took on a reddish tinge, which was most likely the result of air pollution.

    The pink super moon rises over Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.
    Brook Mitchell / Getty Images
    😱Denise😱 @BegglesDenise

    #Supermoon #FullMoon rising over #Sydney Harbour last night. #MOONSHOT #Astrophotography Freehand, no tripod and it was cold. 😃

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    Twitter: @BegglesDenise

    It also just wasn't visible in Australia, but the rest of the world too, with stunning photos being posted from the US, UK, China and many more.

    Stonehenge U.K @ST0NEHENGE

    The #PinkMoon setting at Stonehenge this morning.🌕🔭💫Credit - Nick Bull

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    If you're kicking yourself for missing the supermoon last night, don't worry — it should still appear full for two more days.

    The pink super moon rises over Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia
    Brook Mitchell / Getty Images

    Plus, there'll be another supermoon taking place on May 26, with this one also being a total lunar eclipse across Australia.