On Saturday, April 12, the full moon for April—also referred to as the Paschal Moon or Pink Moon—will rise. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanack, the “Pink Moon” in April represents the “return of life and the resurgence of nature after winter’s dormancy.”
Where you live affects the local moonrise and moonset times. According to Space.com, the magnificent full moon will be at its brightest on April 13 at 8:22 p.m. EDT (0022 GMT).
It is unique because it’s the year’s smallest full moon, or “micromoon.” The moon will be situated close to the dazzling blue-white star Spica in the constellation Virgo.
It occurs when the moon is at its apogee, or furthest point from Earth in its orbit. As a result, it will appear to have a diameter of about 5.1 per cent less than normal. Hence, the term “micromoon,” the opposite of a supermoon.
While the moon appears slightly smaller and dimmer than usual, it might be difficult to see the difference with the naked eye.
How to watch it
Look for an open area where the Moon is barely above the horizon for the finest view. The Pink Moon will then appear larger and sparkle with a golden tinge, creating what is known as the Moon illusion.
April’s full moon is not necessarily going to appear pink in colour. According to Starwalk, Native Americans named the moon after the colour of the wild ground phlox, one of the first flowers to blossom in April.
The Old Farmer’s Almanack stated that although the perennial bloom is often pink, it can also be purple or white, per The Tennessean. Other historical names for Pink Moon in various cultures include Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, and Fish Moon.
April’s full moon is also known as “Paschal Full Moon” because it determines the day of Easter. The Paschal full moon, which occurred on March 20, is the first full moon following the March equinox. In 2025, Easter will be observed on April 20, the first Sunday after the full moon.
Where you can watch it from
In a process known as occultation, the full moon will briefly obscure Spica, giving skywatchers in parts of southern Africa as well as Central and South America an extra treat. Depending on the location, places such as Montevideo, Caracas, and Buenos Aires can watch the complete event at varying times.
On March 14, 2025, the Blood Moon, the final full moon, shone brilliantly. Prior to it, on February 12, the February Snow Moon peaked. The “Flower Moon” or next full moon is set for May 12 at 11:56 CT.