The “Pink Moon” is the traditional name given to the April full moon, an astronomical phenomenon that will occur this year on the night of Saturday, April 12 to Sunday, April 13, 2025. Here is everything you need to know about this event.
Why is it called the pink moon?
The name “Pink Moon” does not indicate a change in the color of the Moon, which will retain its usual golden hue. This phenomenon is reminiscent of the arrival of spring and the blossoming of the cherry trees; the lunar disc will show hues ranging from orange to bright white, depending on the weather conditions.
The name “Pink Moon” has its origins in Native American culture, specifically from a North American tribe. For them, the bloom of phlox subulata, a deep pink wildflower, represented the beginning of the beautiful season. This natural event inspired the traditional name for the April full moon, a symbol of rebirth and the awakening of nature.
In Christian astronomy, this full moon is important because it determines the date of Easter: in 2025 it will be celebrated on Sunday, April 20.
What phenomenon is it?
This year’s Pink Moon will be a Microluna, since the full moon coincides with apogee, the farthest point of the Moon from Earth (405,220 km). This will make the lunar disk appear slightly smaller than usual. It will also be visible in the constellation Virgo, near the star Spica, creating a striking celestial spectacle.
When and where to observe the Pink Moon in Rome?
The exact time of the full Moon will be at 00:22 UTC (02:22 Italian time) on April 13, 2025, according to the Italian Astrophilic Union‘s Sky of the Month. However, the Moon will also appear full the night before and the night after.
The Moon will remain visible until sunset the next morning, around 06:28. It will be possible to observe it easily with the naked eye, with the lunar disk fully illuminated.
So, eyes to the sky on the night of April 12-13 to admire this fascinating event!