The Pink Moon made its appearance this past weekend on April 12-13, 2025. This full moon marked the fourth one of the year and was accompanied by the bright star Spica, located in the constellation Virgo. Spica is not only one of the brightest stars in the spring sky, but it’s also a binary star, meaning it consists of two stars that orbit each other.
Curiously, the Pink Moon doesn’t actually look pink. Its name comes from spring flowers known as “phlox” that bloom in early April. Even though the moon doesn’t change color, if you see it close to the horizon, it can appear orange or red due to the Earth’s atmosphere scattering light—this is known as the Moon illusion.
For 2025, the Pink Moon was classified as a Micromoon. This happens when the Moon is at apogee, the point in its orbit when it is farthest from Earth. Because of this distance, the moon appears about 14.1% smaller and 30% dimmer compared to its size at perigee, when it is closest to Earth. While these differences are measurable, they often go unnoticed by the naked eye, which can make claims of a “tiny” moon feel exaggerated.
New data from the American Meteor Society indicates that views of the moon were particularly enhanced by recent clear skies, with many amateur astronomers sharing stunning photographs online. These images have sparked conversations on social media about lunar events and the beauty of stargazing.
While the Pink Moon is a popular spectacle, it’s also a reminder of humanity’s connection to celestial events. For centuries, people have looked to the skies for inspiration, and the fascination with phases of the moon remains strong today.
As you take in celestial sights, remember that an event like this serves not only as a visual treat but as a part of our shared natural heritage. So next time you gaze at the night sky, think about the countless generations who have done the same.
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