Sat Apr 12 09:31:19 UTC 2025: ## Pink Moon to Light Up Night Sky This Weekend
**New York, NY** – Stargazers are in for a treat this weekend as the Pink Moon, the first full moon of spring, will grace the night sky. The celestial event peaks at 8:22 pm EDT on Saturday, April 12th, and will be visible in India between 3:21 am and 5:51 am on April 13th.
Despite its name, the moon won’t actually appear pink. The moniker refers to the pink phlox flowers that bloom in North America during springtime, symbolizing the season’s arrival. Other names for this full moon include the Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, and Fish Moon.
The Pink Moon will rise in the eastern sky at dusk, offering a spectacular view, especially when viewed from locations with an unobstructed eastern horizon, such as open fields or high vantage points. While visible to the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope will reveal greater detail on the lunar surface.
Skywatchers can also look for Spica, the brightest star in the Virgo constellation, which will be visible near the Pink Moon throughout the night. A helpful trick to locate Spica is to follow the arc of the Big Dipper’s handle towards the bright orange star Arcturus, then continue the line eastward. In Central and South America, and parts of southern Africa, a rare occultation will occur, with the moon briefly covering Spica.
NASA notes that the moon is most spectacular at moonrise, appearing larger and more colorful due to the moon illusion, a phenomenon that tricks the human brain into perceiving it as bigger than it actually is. This year’s Pink Moon is a micromoon, the smallest full moon of the year, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, representing the return of life after winter. Furthermore, the April full moon is also the Paschal Full Moon, determining the date of Easter, which will fall on April 20th in 2025. For the best viewing experience, look to the east just after sunset.
First Piper 