Susmita Zaman

"Don’t Miss the Pink Micro-moon: April’s Full Moon Will Be the Year’s Smallest". AI-Generated.

Attention sky watchers: the full moon this weekend promises a one-of-a-kind lunar event. On the evening of Saturday, April 12, and into the early hours of Sunday, April 13, 2025, April’s Full Pink Moon will rise — but unlike some of the dramatic “supermoons” of recent years, this one will be a micromoon, the smallest full moon of the year. While it won’t dazzle with unusual size or brightness, it offers a subtle and serene celestial show, well worth a look — and a moment to marvel at the quiet rhythms of the universe. What Is a Micromoon? A micromoon occurs when a full moon aligns with the moon’s apogee, the farthest point in its elliptical orbit around Earth. The moon is approximately 252,000 miles (405,000 kilometers) away from Earth at this point, compared to approximately 226,000 miles (363,000 kilometers) during its closest approach, or perigee. A micromoon appears around 14% smaller in diameter and 30% darker than a supermoon due to this distance. The difference may not be obvious to the naked eye unless you’re comparing side-by-side images, but it does lend the moon a more delicate appearance in the sky — a kind of quiet beauty in contrast to its more flamboyant supermoon siblings. When and How to Watch The Full Pink Micromoon will reach peak illumination at 3:21 a.m. EDT on April 13, but the best viewing will take place on Saturday night, shortly after moonrise. The moon slowly rises into the night sky, glowing a warm amber color as it approaches the eastern horizon shortly after sunset. You will be treated to a tranquil lunar display that will last all night if the skies are clear. While binoculars or a long-zoom camera will provide more information about the moon's cratered surface, no telescope is required. Why Is It Called the "Pink" Moon? Despite its name, the Pink Moon won’t actually appear pink in color. The customs of Native Americans and colonists that gave each full moon a seasonal name that was related to nature are the source of the term. In honor of phlox, a type of early-blooming wildflower with vibrant pink petals that signifies the beginning of spring in North America, the full moon in April is referred to as the "Pink Moon." Other traditional names for this moon include the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Fish Moon, each pointing to the natural cycles of renewal and growth that mark this time of year. Why This Micromoon Matters Micromoons possess their own charm as well as their significance in astronomy, whereas supermoons frequently take center stage due to their size and brightness. They remind us of the moon’s elliptical orbit, the variability of its distance from Earth, and the subtle differences in its appearance. This micromoon is also a great teaching moment for anyone interested in astronomy. It’s a chance to observe how small changes in distance affect the way we perceive objects in the sky — and to better understand our moon’s relationship with Earth. Tips for Viewing Want to make the most of your micromoon experience? Here are a few simple tips: Use astronomy apps or websites to determine when the moon will rise above the horizon in your area. Check your local moonrise time. Head away from city lights: A dark, open area will give you the best view of the moon’s soft glow. Bring binoculars or a telescope: Even basic gear will enhance your view and let you spot surface details like craters and lunar seas. Make use of the moon illusion by observing the moon as it rises, when it is at its largest near the horizon due to a visual effect brought about by the atmosphere of the Earth. A Moment of Celestial Stillness In a world that moves fast, the Pink Micromoon is a gentle reminder to slow down, look up, and reconnect with the sky. Despite not being the most spectacular full moon of the year, its magic lies in its subtlety. The smallest full moon of 2025 invites us to take in the beauty of the night sky from any location, including a mountain trail, balcony, or backyard—all we need is a little time and a little wonder.