Full 'Pink' Moon to Light Alabama Sky as Artemis II Launches Tonight

NASA's Artemis II launch window opens at 5:24 p.m. CDT, and April's full 'Pink Moon' reaches peak fullness at 9:11 p.m. CDT.

Skywatchers in Alabama can expect an active evening with a scheduled Artemis II launch and a full moon. NASA's launch window in Florida opens at 5:24 p.m. CDT. NASA reports an 80 percent chance of favorable weather at Kennedy Space Center for the launch window. The April full moon, called the Pink Moon, will reach peak fullness at 9:11 p.m. CDT and rises just after 7 p.m. across the state. Notable details: - Artemis II launch window opens at 5:24 p.m. CDT Wednesday, according to NASA. - NASA lists an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions at Kennedy Space Center for launch time. - The April full moon reaches peak fullness at 9:11 p.m. CDT and rises just after 7 p.m.; it will set between about 6:30 and 6:45 a.m. Thursday depending on location in the state. - April's full moon is called the Pink Moon; the name comes from the spring bloom of creeping phlox and the moon will not appear pink. - The National Weather Service forecasts mostly cloud-free skies over Alabama at 9 p.m., with southeast Alabama expected to have the most cloud cover. Summary: The evening combines the scheduled Artemis II launch window with the full Pink Moon, offering visibility opportunities for both events. NASA's launch window opens at 5:24 p.m. CDT and the moon reaches peak fullness at 9:11 p.m. CDT. Undetermined at this time.