The Pink Moon: The Smallest Full Moon of the Year

Apr 12, 2025 Kriti Keshari

The Pink Moon, rising on April 12 and peaking at 8:22 p.m. EDT (0022 GMT April 13), is a rare lunar event

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Named after the wild ground phlox flowers of spring, the Pink Moon won’t appear pink but marks a special full moon in the sky

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Although it’s called the Pink Moon, it gets its name from the blooming wild ground phlox, not the moon’s color

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This full moon is the smallest of the year, about 5.1% smaller than average, due to its position at apogee

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When the Pink Moon rises just above the horizon, it creates the Moon illusion, appearing larger and golden in hue

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The Pink Moon will shine near Spica in Virgo, with some regions witnessing the rare occultation where the moon briefly covers Spica

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