The year 2025 has a lot in store for what we see in the sky. Last month, we saw a planet parade, along with a total lunar eclipse during March’s full moon. If you’re here, you might be looking forward to the next full moon.
Here’s what to know about April’s full moon, the pink moon.
When is the full moon in April 2025?
The pink moon, April’s full moon, will reach peak illumination on Saturday, April 12, at 8:22 p.m. EDT. Clear skies will ensure optimal viewing, so keep an eye on the weather forecast.
The April full moon is going to be a micromoon
You may have heard of a supermoon — we witnessed four supermoons last year. But have you ever heard of a micromoon?
A micromoon is the exact opposite of a supermoon. The full moon will occur just before apogee, the point at which the moon is farthest from Earth, on April 13 at 6:49 p.m., according to Old Farmer’s Almanac. Less than 23 hours after the full moon appears, the moon will be smaller and dimmer than usual.
What phase of the lunar cycle is the moon in now?
The moon is currently in its waxing gibbous phase at 90% illumination, according to Space.com. The moon’s phases in April are:
How did the pink moon get its name?
You might assume the April full moon is called the pink moon because it will appear rosy, but that’s not the case.
The nickname of the April full moon comes from the early spring blooming of a wildflower native to eastern North America: Phlox subulata, commonly known as creeping phlox or moss phlox.
This phlox subulata, often called moss pink, was in full bloom roughly around April’s full moon.
What is the Paschal Moon? Its role in Easter
As you may know, Easter will be on April 20. April’s full moon is also special due to its religious significance. According to Old Farmer’s Almanac, Easter occurs on the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon, after the March or spring equinox. In the Gregorian calendar, it is always observed on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25.
When is the next full moon in 2025?
May’s full moon, the flower moon, will peak on May 12, 2025.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Ready for a pink moon micromoon? When, how to see April full moon in Ohio