Saturday’s full moon is 2025’s smallest — but skywatchers can still expect a stunning twilight show

Stargazers across the globe will be treated to a rare sight on Saturday night as April’s Full Pink Moon — the smallest full moon of 2025 — ascends into the evening sky. Though its name suggests a splash of colour, the Pink Moon won’t actually appear pink. Instead, its charm lies in its unique status as a “micromoon.”

This year’s full moon in April coincides with the moon’s apogee — the point in its orbit when it is farthest from Earth. As a result, it will appear slightly smaller and dimmer than usual, though most casual observers won’t notice the difference with the naked eye. The micro moon reaches peak illumination at 8:22 p.m. EDT (0022 GMT on April 13), offering a picturesque show shortly after the moonrise.

In New York City, for instance, the moon will rise at 7:30 p.m. EDT — just two minutes before sunset — providing a dramatic golden ascent against the twilight. The moon will sit in the constellation Virgo, near the bright blue-white star Spica.

Skywatchers in Central and South America, and parts of southern Africa, can look forward to a bonus celestial spectacle. In cities like Buenos Aires, Caracas, and Montevideo, the moon will briefly cover Spica in an event called an occultation. The timing of the occultation varies by region, but in each case, the moon’s slow drift in front of the star will add an extra moment of wonder to the night.

Though called the Pink Moon, there’s no actual colour change. The name traces back to the moss pink, or creeping phlox — one of the earliest blooming wildflowers in North America. The name was popularised by the Old Farmer’s Almanac and has roots in Native American seasonal traditions. Other names for this moon include the Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, and Fish Moon — all signifying spring’s arrival in various cultures.

Beyond its visual beauty, this particular full moon carries religious importance. In Christianity, the Paschal Moon — the first full moon after the spring equinox — determines the date of Easter. Accordingly, Easter Sunday in 2025 will fall on April 20.

For those hoping to capture the Pink Moon on camera, early moonrise is the best time to shoot. As the moon hangs low in the sky, it takes on a warmer hue and looms larger near the horizon — perfect for photography. Use a tripod to prevent blur, and if you’re using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, opt for a telephoto lens with manual settings: ISO between 100–400, aperture between f/8 and f/11, and a shutter speed between 1/125 and 1/250 second.

Smartphone photographers can experiment with night mode or manual camera apps, especially when framing the moon against city skylines, trees, or water for added drama and scale.

While the moon may not dazzle with unusual size or hue this time, its delicate presence against the deepening sky still makes it a night worth stepping outside for. Whether you’re a seasoned skywatcher or a casual observer, the smallest full moon of the year promises a subtle but memorable performance.