As April 2025 approaches, skywatchers are preparing for a unique celestial event: the April full moon, also known as the Pink Moon. This year, however, it's not just any full moon; it's a micromoon, the smallest full moon of the year. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about this astronomical occurrence, from when and where to view it to the science behind its diminutive appearance.

When and Where to Watch

Mark your calendars for the night of April 12, stretching into the morning of April 13, 2025. The full moon will be visible as it rises in the east during the evening, reaches its zenith around midnight, and then descends in the west before sunrise. The precise moment of full moon, or peak illumination, occurs at 00:22 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on April 13, which translates to 7:22 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) on April 12 for those in central North America. This timing means the moon will be at or very near its fullest as it ascends into the sky.

A Micromoon Explained

Unlike supermoons, which appear larger and brighter due to their proximity to Earth, the April 2025 full moon is a micromoon. This means it's at the farthest point in its orbit around our planet. Specifically, this micromoon will be approximately 252,280 miles (406,006 kilometers) away from Earth, making it the most distant full moon of 2025. While it may appear up to 14% smaller and less bright than a supermoon, it will still be a captivating sight.

The Science Behind the View

Full moons occur when the sun, Earth, and moon align in space, with Earth in the middle. This alignment allows the moon's entire day side, or fully illuminated hemisphere, to face us, creating the appearance of a full moon. The moon will appear full for a day or two around this peak, offering ample opportunity for observation.

The Pink Moon Name

Despite its name, the Pink Moon isn't actually pink. Instead, it's named after the pink creeping phlox, a wildflower that blooms in abundance during April. This naming convention is a nod to the natural cycles and beauty of spring.

Viewing in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

For those in the Northern Hemisphere, the rising Pink Moon will be close to Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo. Throughout the night, Spica will appear to move slightly westward relative to the moon. Skywatchers in the Southern Hemisphere will also see the full moon and Spica rise around sunset, arc across the northern horizon near midnight, and then set around sunrise.

The Moon in Virgo

The April full moon typically resides in the constellation Virgo, as it will in 2025. Occasionally, it can appear in Libra if the full moon occurs later in the month, but this is a less frequent occurrence.

Spotting Spica

The brightness of the full moon might make it challenging to spot Spica. Try using a foreground object to block the moon's glare. Spica is also a key member of the Spring Triangle, an asterism that includes Arcturus and Regulus, making it a valuable star to identify.

Additional Full Moons in 2025

Following the Pink Moon, there are several more full moons to anticipate in 2025:

• May 12: Flower Moon
• June 11: Strawberry Moon
• July 10: Buck Moon
• August 9: Sturgeon Moon
• September 7: Corn Moon
• October 6: Harvest Moon
• November 5: Beaver Moon
• December 4: Cold Moon

Meteor Showers in 2025

In addition to full moons, 2025 will feature several meteor showers:

• Lyrids: April 21–22
• Eta Aquariids: May 5–6
• Southern Delta Aquariids & Alpha Capricornids: July 29–30
• Perseids: August 12–13
• Draconids: October 8–9
• Orionids: October 22–23
• Southern & Northern Taurids: November 3–4 & 8-9
• Leonids: November 16–17
• Geminids: December 12–13
• Ursids: December 21–22

Eclipses in 2025

Two eclipse events will also occur:

• Total Lunar Eclipse: September 7–8 (visible in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and parts of South America and Antarctica)
• Partial Solar Eclipse: September 21 (visible in remote areas of Australia, Antarctica, and the Pacific Ocean)

Astrological Influences

Astrologically, the Pink Moon can impact mood, emotions, and sleep patterns differently based on your zodiac sign. For example, fiery signs like Aries and Leo may experience restless nights, while emotional water signs like Cancer and Pisces might feel emotionally stirred. Grounded earth signs such as Taurus and Virgo may find comfort in routine, and air signs like Gemini and Libra may need mental stillness to find restful sleep.

Understanding these influences can provide insights and solutions to navigate the lunar energy effectively, optimizing sleep and emotional well-being during this celestial event.