Skywatchers around the world are in for a celestial treat this weekend as April’s full moon, famously known as the Pink Moon, rises on Saturday, April 12. Despite its vibrant name, the moon won’t actually appear pink. Instead, it will showcase a much subtler cosmic feature this year — it will be a micromoon, the smallest full moon of 2025.
According to NASA, the Pink Moon will reach its peak illumination at 8:22 PM EDT and will be positioned at its farthest point from Earth, approximately 251,000 miles (404,500 kilometres) away. Due to this distance, the moon will appear about 14% smaller and 30% dimmer than a typical supermoon, though the size difference may be hard to spot without aid.
The name “Pink Moon” dates back to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, which associates April’s full moon with the seasonal bloom of creeping phlox — a wildflower native to eastern North America that often appears in vibrant shades of pink during this time of year.
Beyond its visual and historical appeal, the Pink Moon holds special religious significance. It is referred to as the Paschal Moon, and its appearance determines the date of Easter Sunday in the Christian calendar. This year, Easter will be observed on April 20.
Astronomers and skywatchers will also enjoy additional spectacles. In certain parts of Central and South America, as well as southern Africa, viewers will witness the moon briefly occult the bright star Spica, a rare and striking event best viewed from cities like Buenos Aires, Caracas, and Montevideo.
April continues its celestial showcase with more alignments later in the month. On April 25, a pre-dawn event will feature Venus, Saturn, and a waning crescent moon forming a triangular alignment — often dubbed a “moon smile.” Then, on April 27, a super new moon will occur, the closest new moon of the year, although it won’t be visible from Earth.
Whether you’re a casual observer or a devoted stargazer, Saturday’s Pink Micromoon offers a serene and symbolic experience under the stars.
