In recent astronomical events, sky enthusiasts have noted that April’s full moon is set to be dubbed a “micromoon.” This term refers to a full moon appearing at or near its farthest distance from the Earth, a point known as apogee. Those gazing at the night sky during April can expect to see the moon reach its peak visibility on Saturday evening at 8:22 p.m. ET. However, despite its name as the “pink moon,” observers should not expect a vibrant pink hue; rather, the moon will exhibit a white or golden radiance.
The phenomenon of the micromoon will be observable in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, making it a global spectacle. According to NASA planetary scientist Dr. Noah Petro, who leads the science team for NASA’s Artemis III mission, it’s important to note that the moon’s orbit is not a perfect circle. Instead, it is elliptical, leading to varying distances between the Earth and the moon throughout the year. At this time, April’s micromoon is expected to be the smallest among three such occurrences in 2025, with another micromoon anticipated in May.
For an optimal view of this celestial event, weather permitting, NASA suggests utilizing binoculars or a telescope. Skywatchers should also seek locations with minimal light pollution to enhance their viewing experience. At its apex, April’s full moon will be approximately 30,000 miles (about 49,000 kilometers) further away from the Earth than the upcoming largest supermoon, scheduled for November of the same year. A supermoon is typically observable when the full moon coincides with perigee—the closest point in its orbit to Earth.
The distinction between a micromoon and a supermoon is significant but may escape the attention of casual observers. A micromoon may appear up to 14% smaller and about 30% dimmer than its supermoon counterpart, a difference noticeable primarily through photography as opposed to the naked eye. Dr. Petro highlights the unique and ever-changing nature of the moon, suggesting that each lunar event presents an opportunity for enthusiasts to test their observational skills.
Furthermore, it is important to address the misleading title of the “pink moon.” This name actually references the arrival of blooming flowers in spring, particularly the hot pink wildflower known as Phlox subulata, commonly referred to as creeping phlox. This species carpets the slopes in parts of eastern and central United States as the April full moon approaches. Some Native American tribes have similarly associated this full moon with the advent of spring foliage, adopting names such as the “budding moon” by the Tlingit and the “flower moon” by the Cherokee.
In addition to its cultural and natural significance, the full moon also has mathematical importance within Christianity, as it coincides with the Paschal moon—the first full moon following the spring equinox—which sets the date for Easter. Following this April event, there will be a total of eight more full moons this year, including three supermoons slated for the months of October, November, and December.
For those interested in astronomy, meteor showers also bring excitement, occurring regularly as Earth traverses the trails left by comets. The peak dates for upcoming meteor showers in 2025 include notable events such as the Lyrids (April 21–22), Eta Aquariids (May 5–6), and the Perseids (August 12–13).
In the realm of eclipses, two significant events are on the horizon for fall 2025. A total lunar eclipse will take place on September 7 and 8, most visible in parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, eastern South America, Alaska, and Antarctica. This eclipse will cause the moon to appear darkened due to Earth positioning between the sun and moon. Notably, during the eclipse, the moon may take on a reddish color, sometimes referred to as a “blood moon.”
Another event to look forward to is a partial solar eclipse on September 21, wherein the moon will obscure part of the sun’s disk, producing the effect of the moon taking a “bite” out of the sun. This optical illusion will be crisp in select regions of Australia, Antarctica, and the Pacific. As such celestial events unfold, the adaptability and curiosity of observers will ensure that the wonders of the night sky continue to captivate audiences.
Overall, both lunar and solar phenomena provide a perfect opportunity for stargazers and casual observers alike to engage with the astronomical happenings over the coming months, fostering a deeper appreciation for the celestial mechanics at play above.
