The Moon is Playing Tricks on You This April - Here's Why!

Look Up! April's Full Moon is a Tiny Treasure: The Micromoon Explained

Keywords: April full moon, micromoon, smallest full moon 2025, pink moon, astronomy, skywatching, lunar events, NASA, space

Did you know that April's full moon this year is a bit of a shy celestial body? Unlike the big and bright supermoons we sometimes see, April 2025 welcomes a "micromoon" – a full moon that appears slightly smaller than usual. Don't worry, it's still a spectacular sight to behold!

What Makes April's Full Moon a Micromoon?

Mark your calendars for Saturday evening, April 12th, because that's when this unique full moon will grace our skies, peaking at 8:22 p.m. ET. But why the "micro" in micromoon?

According to NASA planetary scientist Dr. Noah Petro, it all comes down to the moon's orbit around Earth. It's not a perfect circle, but rather an ellipse, like a slightly squashed circle. This means there are times when the moon is closer to Earth (perigee) and times when it's farther away (apogee).

A micromoon occurs when the full moon happens to coincide with the moon being near its farthest point from Earth – the apogee. Think of it like holding a ball far away versus holding it close – it naturally appears smaller from a distance!

Interestingly, this April micromoon will be the smallest of the three micromoons we'll experience in 2025, with another one making an appearance in May, according to EarthSky.

Don't Expect Pink – It's Still a Golden Delight!

You might have heard this full moon referred to as the "pink moon." While the name evokes a rosy hue, don't expect the moon to actually change color. Its typical white-golden glow comes from the sunlight reflecting off its surface, as explained by NASA.

So, where does the "pink" moniker come from? It's a charming nod to the blooming flowers that herald the arrival of spring! Specifically, the vibrant pink wildflower Phlox subulata, also known as creeping phlox or moss pink, carpets the landscapes of eastern and central United States around the same time as April's full moon, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac.

Different cultures have also embraced this lunar event with their own names, often reflecting the changes in nature during this time. For example, the Tlingit people called it the budding moon, the Cherokee referred to it as the flower moon, and the Apache named it the moon of the big leaves.

Micromoon vs. Supermoon: A Subtle Difference

While a micromoon might seem like a less exciting event compared to a supermoon, it's still a fascinating celestial occurrence. At its peak, April's full moon will be about 30,000 miles (49,000 kilometers) farther from Earth than the year's largest supermoon, which will shine in November, according to NASA.

A supermoon, on the other hand, happens when a full moon occurs near or at perigee, its closest point to Earth. This makes it appear up to 14% larger and about 30% brighter than a micromoon, according to Petro.

However, the difference between a regular full moon and a micromoon can be subtle enough for the casual observer to miss. As astrophysicist Gianluca Masi from the Virtual Telescope Project points out, this micromoon will appear about 6% smaller than the average full moon.

"What leads to the joy of looking at the moon is (that) it’s different every month," Petro wisely notes. "We can test ourselves to see if we can actually observe these differences."

How to Best Enjoy the April Micromoon

Want to try and spot the slightly smaller size of this month's full moon? NASA suggests grabbing a pair of binoculars or a telescope for a closer look. Finding a spot away from bright city lights will also enhance your viewing experience.

More Celestial Wonders to Look Forward To

The cosmos never rests! Beyond April's micromoon, there are plenty of other exciting astronomical events to anticipate throughout 2025. Keep an eye out for:

• More Full Moons: Eight more full moons will light up the night sky this year, including supermoons in October, November, and December.
• Meteor Showers: Get ready for shooting stars! Several meteor showers will peak throughout the year, including the Lyrids in April and the Perseids in August.
• Lunar and Solar Eclipses: September will bring both a total lunar eclipse (visible from various parts of the world) and a partial solar eclipse.

So, while April's full moon might be a little on the smaller side this year, it's still a wonderful opportunity to connect with the night sky and appreciate the fascinating mechanics of our universe. Step outside on Saturday evening, take a look up, and enjoy the subtle beauty of the micromoon!