Sun Apr 13 10:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Smaller-Than-Usual “Pink” Moon to Light Up the Sky This Weekend

**Washington, D.C. (CNN) –** Stargazers are in for a treat (or perhaps a slightly underwhelming one) this weekend. April’s full moon, nicknamed the “Pink Moon,” will actually be a micromoon, appearing smaller and dimmer than usual. The celestial event will peak at 8:22 p.m. ET on Saturday, visible in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Unlike its namesake suggests, the moon won’t be pink. Instead, it will showcase its typical white or golden hue, a reflection of sunlight. The “pink” moniker refers to the blooming of creeping phlox, a hot pink wildflower, which coincides with the April full moon. Various Native American tribes also associated this full moon with the arrival of spring foliage, giving it names like the “budding moon” or “flower moon.” In Christianity, it holds significance as the Paschal moon, determining the date of Easter.

This micromoon’s smaller size is due to its position at apogee – the farthest point in its elliptical orbit around Earth. According to NASA planetary scientist Dr. Noah Petro, it will be approximately 30,000 miles farther away than November’s supermoon, appearing up to 14% smaller and 30% dimmer. While the difference might be subtle to the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope, combined with a dark viewing location, will enhance the observation. Astrophysicist Gianluca Masi estimates the micromoon will be about 6% smaller than an average full moon.

This is the smallest of three micromoons in 2025; May will bring another. Following the micromoon, eight more full moons, including supermoons in October, November, and December, will grace the night sky. Furthermore, a total lunar eclipse (visible from parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas) and a partial solar eclipse are slated for September.

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