The word Alula arises from Arabic for 'first leap', while Tania means 'second', and Talitha means 'third'. The lowest (most easterly) duo named Alula Borealis and Alula Australis, are close to a line extended to the right (celestial south) from Dubhe through Merak. The central pair of Tania Borealis and Tania Australis shines midway between the bright stars Dubhe and Ras Elased Australis in Leo.

The most westerly stars Al Kaprah and Talitha, are found by extending a line drawn diagonally through the Big Dipper's bowl from Megrez to Merak, i.e., upwards towards Castor and Pollux. In each pair, the stars are separated by about a thumb's width (or 1.5 degrees). Another easily seen, but lesser-known pattern is the Three Leaps of the Gazelle, composed of three pairs of medium-bright stars strung in a line spanning nearly 30 degrees of the sky. Everyone is familiar with the Big Dipper asterism portion of that constellation. The large and bright constellation of Ursa Major, the Great Bear is climbing toward the zenith after dusk in early April. April 8: The Three Leaps of the Gazelle (all night) Easter is observed on the Sunday that follows the first full moon after the March equinox, making this the Paschal Full Moon for 2023. The Cherokee call it Kawonuhi, 'the Flower Moon', when the plants bloom.įull moons always rise in the east as the sun sets, and set in the west at sunrise. For the Mi'kmaw people of Eastern Canada, this is Penatmuiku's, 'the Birds Laying Eggs Time Moon'. The Cree of North America call it Niskipisim, 'the Goose Moon' - the time when the geese return with spring. For them, it signifies a time to learn cleansing and healing ways. The indigenous Ojibwe groups of the Great Lakes region call the April full moon Iskigamizige-giizis 'the Maple Sap Boiling Moon' or Namebine-giizis, 'the Sucker Moon'. The moon won't look pink - the name arises from the forest wildflowers blooming in April. April's full moon, commonly called the Pink Moon, Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, or Fish Moon, always shines in or near the stars of Virgo or Libra.

The moon will officially reach its full phase at 12:34 a.m. (Image credit: Chris Vaughan Starry Night) (opens in new tab)

What's up what's up what's up