Many are looking to the sky for the anticipated pink moon full moon tonight, and while the peak illumination actually occurred last night, Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 8:22 p.m. ET, the moon will still appear full and bright tonight. This April full moon, despite its rosy moniker, won’t actually be pink but will instead showcase its typical white-golden hue. Interestingly, this year’s pink moon held a special distinction as it was also the smallest full moon of the year, known as a Micro Moon .
Key Takeaways:
- The pink moon full moon reached its peak on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 8:22 p.m. ET but will still appear full tonight.
- Despite its name, the “pink moon” typically has a white-golden color.
- The name “pink moon” comes from the blooming of pink wildflowers in spring, specifically the Phlox subulata.
- This year’s April full moon was also a micromoon, appearing slightly smaller than usual as it was near its farthest point from Earth.
- For the best viewing, find a spot with minimal light pollution and consider using binoculars or a telescope.
Why is it Called the ‘Pink Moon’ if it’s Not Pink?
The name “pink moon” might lead some to expect a blush-colored lunar orb, but the reality is that April’s full moon usually appears in shades of white or gold. The origin of this name is not related to the moon’s actual color. Instead, the moniker is a charming nod to the arrival of spring and the blooming of flowers. Specifically, the name comes from the wild ground phlox (Phlox subulata), also known as creeping phlox, moss phlox, or moss pink, which typically blooms in vibrant pink hues across eastern and central United States around the same time as April’s full moon (Source: Space.com).
This tradition of naming full moons after seasonal events and natural phenomena is rooted in Native American cultures and was popularized by publications like The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Different tribes had their own unique names for April’s full moon, often reflecting the changes occurring in nature at this time of year. For instance, some tribes referred to it as the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, or the Fish Moon, each highlighting a significant aspect of the spring season. So, while you might not see a pink-tinted moon tonight, the name itself is a beautiful reminder of the springtime blossoming happening around us.
The April Full Moon: A Micromoon This Year
Adding to the uniqueness of this year’s pink moon full moon tonight (even though its peak was last night) is the fact that it was also a micromoon. A micromoon occurs when the full moon coincides with the moon being at or near its apogee, which is the point in its elliptical orbit where it is farthest away from Earth. This greater distance makes the moon appear slightly smaller and dimmer than an average full moon. According to NASA planetary scientist Dr. Noah Petro, the moon’s orbit around Earth is not perfectly circular but rather elliptical, leading to these variations in distance.
In fact, April’s micromoon was the smallest of the three micromoons expected in 2025, with another one occurring in May, as reported by EarthSky. While the difference in size between a micromoon and a regular full moon might be subtle and difficult for casual observers to notice with the naked eye, it can be more apparent when compared to a supermoon, which occurs when the full moon is near its closest point to Earth (perigee). A micromoon can appear up to 14% smaller and about 30% dimmer than the year’s largest supermoon, which is set to rise in November this year (Source: USA Today).
How to Best Observe Tonight’s Full Moon
Even though the pink moon full moon reached its peak last night, the moon will still appear largely full and will be a beautiful sight in the night sky tonight. For the best viewing experience, NASA recommends trying to find a location with minimal light pollution. This will allow the subtle details and brightness of the moon to be more easily observed. If weather conditions permit, using a pair of binoculars or a telescope can further enhance your viewing, bringing the moon’s craters and surface features into sharper focus. (Source: CNN)
Look towards the eastern horizon around sunset to watch the moonrise. As the moon climbs higher into the night sky, it will continue to shine brightly. While you might not witness the dramatic reddish hue of a blood moon, like the stunning total lunar eclipse some may have seen previously (Internal Link: Witness the Stunning Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight), the bright, white-golden glow of tonight’s full moon, even as a micromoon, is sure to be a captivating sight. Don’t miss the opportunity to step outside and appreciate this celestial event.
