Sharp-eyed lunar lovers may notice April’s full moon looks smaller than usual this month, and despite its “pink moon” namesake, the orb will have a white-golden hue. The micromoon will be visible in the Northern and Southern hemispheres and is set to rise Saturday evening, reaching its peak at 8:22 p.m. ET. Sky-gazers observe a micromoon as the celestial object is at or near the farthest point from Earth — also known as apogee — along its orbital path, according to NASA planetary scientist Dr. Noah Petro. “The moon’s orbit around the Earth is not perfect; it’s elliptical, or egg shaped. So, there are points throughout the year when it’s closer to the Earth and points when it’s farther from the Earth,” said Petro, who leads the science team of NASA’s Artemis III mission, aimed at getting humans back on the moon for the first time since 1972. April’s micromoon will be the smallest of the three micromoons in 2025, with the next one occurring in May, according to EarthSky. For the best view of this micromoon, weather conditions allowing, NASA recommends using a pair of binoculars or a telescope and finding a spot with minimal light pollution. Micromoon vs. supermoon At its peak, April’s full moon will be about 30,000 miles (49,000 kilometers) farther from Earth than the largest supermoon of the year, which will rise in November, according to NASA. A supermoon can be observed when the full moon occurs near or during perigee, the closest point in its orbit around Earth. Petro said a micromoon can appear up to 14% smaller and about 30% dimmer than a supermoon, which is subtle enough to go unnoticed by the casual viewer. You can observe the difference, however, through photographs. “What leads to the joy of looking at the moon is (that) it’s different every month,” Petro said. “We can test ourselves to see if we can actually observe these differences.” This micromoon will appear about 6% smaller than the average full moon, according to astrophysicist Gianluca Masi, founder of the Virtual Telescope Project, which will stream the lunar event live as the moon rises over south central Italy. Why is it called the ‘pink moon’ if it’s not pink? The moon’s glowing appearance comes from the sun’s reflected light, leading to its typical white or golden hue, according to NASA. Instead, the “pink” name is a nod to the arrival of blooming flowers at the beginning of spring. Specifically, the hot pink wildflower Phlox subulata, referred to as creeping phlox, moss phlox or moss pink, densely mats the slopes of eastern and central United States around the same time as April’s full moon, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Some Native American tribes have also named this moon after the arrival of spring foliage. The Tlingit described it as the budding moon of plants and shrubs, the Cherokee called it the flower moon, and the Apache referred to it as the moon of the big leaves, according to Western Washington University’s site. This full moon also has religious significance in Christianity. The first full moon on or after the spring equinox, called the Paschal moon, sets the date of Easter. Upcoming full moons Following the pink moon event, there are eight more full moons to look out for this year, with supermoons occurring in October, November and December. Here’s the list of full moons remaining in 2025, according to the Farmers’ Almanac: Meteor shower events Meteor showers occur regularly throughout the year as Earth passes through the trails of debris left by comets. Here are peak dates for upcoming meteor showers in 2025, according to the American Meteor Society and EarthSky. Lunar and solar eclipses in 2025 In the lead-up to the fall season, two eclipse events will grace the sky. A total lunar eclipse will be most visible from Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, parts of eastern South America, Alaska and Antarctica on September 7 and 8. A lunar eclipse, which causes the moon to look dark or dimmed, occurs when Earth is between the sun and moon and the three celestial objects line up in a row so that the moon passes into our planet’s shadow. When the moon is within the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra, it takes on a reddish hue, which has led to the nickname “blood moon” for a lunar eclipse, according to NASA. That shadow isn’t perfect, so sunbeams sneak around the shadow’s edges, bathing the moon in warm hues. A partial solar eclipse will occur on September 21 as the moon moves between the sun and Earth but the celestial bodies aren’t perfectly aligned, according to NASA. In this type of event, the moon only blocks part of the sun’s face, creating a crescent shape in which it appears the moon is taking a “bite” out of the sun. This event will be visible to more remote areas of Australia, Antarctica and the Pacific Ocean.
April’s full moon is a ‘micromoon.’ Here’s what that means
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"April's Full Moon to Appear as a Micromoon on Saturday Evening"
CNN
9.6
TruthLens AI Summary
April's full moon, known as the 'pink moon,' will be observed as a micromoon this month, appearing smaller and dimmer than usual. The micromoon will reach its peak on Saturday evening at 8:22 p.m. ET, and will be visible in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. According to NASA planetary scientist Dr. Noah Petro, the phenomenon occurs when the moon is at its apogee, the farthest point from Earth in its elliptical orbit. During this event, the full moon will be approximately 30,000 miles farther away from Earth than the largest supermoon, which will occur in November. A micromoon can appear up to 14% smaller and about 30% dimmer than a supermoon, although these differences may not be immediately noticeable to casual observers. For those wishing to get a better view, NASA suggests using binoculars or a telescope and choosing a location with minimal light pollution.
The name 'pink moon' refers not to the moon's color, which will typically be white or golden, but to the blooming of flowers in spring, specifically the hot pink wildflower Phlox subulata. Various Native American tribes have also named this full moon based on seasonal changes, with names reflecting the budding of plants and the arrival of spring foliage. Additionally, this full moon holds religious significance in Christianity as it marks the Paschal moon, which determines the date of Easter. Following the April full moon, there will be eight more full moons in 2025, including several supermoons. Furthermore, the year will also feature notable meteor showers and eclipses, including a total lunar eclipse in September, which will be visible from various regions across the globe. This celestial event will transform the moon into a reddish hue, often referred to as a 'blood moon.'Sky-gazers are encouraged to mark their calendars for these spectacular astronomical occurrences, as they offer unique opportunities for observation and appreciation of the night sky.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides an informative overview of April's full moon, referred to as a "micromoon," explaining its characteristics and the differences compared to other lunar phenomena, such as supermoons. This type of celestial event garners interest from both astronomy enthusiasts and the general public, as it presents an opportunity for observation and engagement with natural phenomena.
Purpose of the Article
The primary intent behind this article appears to be educational, aiming to inform readers about the specific attributes of the micromoon while also engaging their interest in astronomy. By detailing the differences between micromoons and supermoons, the article encourages readers to explore these celestial events more deeply, possibly fostering a greater appreciation for astronomy.
Public Perception
The article may contribute to a sense of wonder and curiosity within the community regarding lunar events. It positions the micromoon as a unique occurrence that, although subtle in visual impact, offers an opportunity for scientific exploration and personal observation, thus enhancing public interest in astronomy.
Omissions or Hidden Aspects
There does not appear to be anything significant that the article is trying to obscure. The focus is predominantly on the micromoon, and it provides accurate scientific information. However, the emphasis on the visual differences between micromoons and supermoons could lead some casual observers to overlook the broader context of lunar cycles and their significance.
Manipulative Elements
The article has a low manipulation ratio since it primarily presents factual information without sensationalizing or misrepresenting the micromoon. It uses a straightforward narrative that encourages readers to look for differences in lunar appearances rather than inciting fear or anxiety.
Trustworthiness
The article is credible as it relies on expert opinions from NASA scientists, providing a scientific basis for its claims. The information about the micromoon's distance from Earth and viewing recommendations is clearly sourced, which adds to its reliability.
Community Engagement
This news likely appeals to communities interested in science, astronomy, and outdoor activities. It targets individuals who enjoy stargazing and those curious about natural phenomena, promoting a sense of collective engagement during such events.
Economic and Political Implications
While this news piece is unlikely to have direct economic or political repercussions, it might influence consumer behavior in the astronomy equipment market, such as binoculars or telescopes. Increased interest in stargazing could lead to heightened sales in these areas.
Global Power Dynamics
The article does not directly relate to global power dynamics or current political issues. It focuses on a scientific topic that transcends geopolitical boundaries, appealing to universal interests.
AI Involvement
There is a possibility that AI tools were used in drafting or organizing the content, especially in structuring the information clearly and effectively. If AI was involved, it likely contributed to ensuring the article was accessible and engaging for a broad audience.
In conclusion, the article serves as a reliable and engaging piece of news that effectively communicates the phenomenon of the micromoon. It encourages public interest in astronomy without veering into sensationalism or manipulation. Overall, the piece stands as a trustworthy source of information for those intrigued by celestial events.