Mark Your Calendars for Saturday Night!

Prepare to gaze up at the night sky this Saturday as the Full Pink Moon makes its appearance. This is not just any Full Moon — it's the smallest one we'll experience in 2025, and the tiniest we've seen in nearly five years!

What is a Pink Moon?

Most Full Moons have unique names rooted in various cultural traditions, with April's Full Moon commonly known as the 'Pink Moon' in the western world. This name descends from the lunar calendar of the indigenous peoples of the Northeastern United States.

But don't be misled by the name; the Pink Moon won't actually appear pink. Instead, it's named after the vibrant wild ground phlox, one of the first blooms of spring in that region.

Indigenous Names for the April Full Moon

Various tribes have their own names for this moon: the Algonquin called it the Breaking Ice Moon, while the Cree refer to it as the Frog Moon. These names reflect the changing seasons and natural events significant to their cultures.

Why is this Moon So Small?

The Moon travels in an elliptical orbit around Earth, which means its distance from us changes over time. This Saturday, the Full Pink Moon will be at apogee, making it approximately 406,006 km away — the farthest Full Moon since October 2020! As a result, it will appear only about 90% as bright as a typical Full Moon.

Don't Miss Out!

Make sure to check your weather forecast for clear skies, as this micromoon will rise in the southeast at sunset on Saturday and stay visible all night until it sets just before dawn on Sunday.

The Lunar Calendar and Future Full Moons

This phenomenon is part of larger lunar cycles, with apogee Full Moons occurring roughly every 12-14 months. After this weekend, the next chance to see a similarly distant Full Moon won’t come until May 31, 2024.

So, grab your loved ones, find a perfect viewing spot, and enjoy the celestial display this Saturday night — it’s a sight you won’t want to miss!