April’s full moon peaks Friday night

The April full moon—affectionately dubbed the “Pink Moon”—will reach peak illumination on Friday, April 12, at exactly 8:22 p.m. EDT (0022 GMT on April 13), according to Space.com. The moonrise and moonset times will vary depending on your location, but skywatchers around the world will be able to enjoy its glow.

While the moon won’t show a blush hue, it holds a rich history rooted in seasonal traditions and natural cycles.

Why is it called a ‘Pink Moon’?

Despite its name, April’s Pink Moon will not appear pink to the naked eye. The title comes from the early spring bloom of Phlox subulata—a native North American wildflower known for its vibrant pink petals. Commonly referred to as moss pink or creeping phlox, the flower carpets fields during this time of year, inspiring the moon’s nickname.

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The term traces back to Native American, Colonial American, and European traditions, where full moons were named for the natural events they accompanied. In this context, “Pink Moon” celebrates the arrival of spring rather than describing the moon’s color.

NASA notes other names for April’s full moon include the Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, and Fish Moon—the latter used by coastal tribes to mark the season when fish swam upstream to spawn. In religious and cultural observances, it is also known as the Passover Moon, and in India, the Hanuman Jayanti Festival Moon commemorates the birth of the Hindu deity Hanuman.

Beyond its colorful folklore, this Pink Moon carries an astronomical distinction—it’s the smallest full moon of the year, often called a “micromoon.” According to Space.com, the full moon will occur at apogee, the point in the moon’s elliptical orbit farthest from Earth.

As a result, the moon will appear slightly smaller and dimmer in the night sky compared to a typical full moon or a so-called “supermoon.” While the size difference might not be dramatic to the casual observer, it’s a notable detail for astronomy enthusiasts.

A full moon through the seasons

The Pink Moon follows March’s dramatic Blood Moon, which painted the skies a deep red on March 14, 2025. That event was preceded by February’s Snow Moon, which peaked on February 12. The next lunar spectacle will be the Flower Moon, expected to rise on May 12 at 11:56 p.m. CT.

Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just in it for the view, Friday night’s Pink Moon offers a gentle celestial reminder of the changing seasons—and a moment to look up.