The Pink Full Moon Rises Tonight – And It’s Showing Up With A Few Surprises…
Tonight, Saturday, April 12, step outside a little before 8 PM to witness the fourth full moon of 2025 rising above the horizon. Known as the Pink Moon, it’s the first full moon of spring — and this year, it’s showing up with a few surprises.
Called the Pink Moon, it marks the first full moon of spring. Its name comes from Phlox subulata, or moss pink, one of the earliest wildflowers to bloom in spring. Despite its name, the Pink Moon won’t actually glow pink (like you see in this image). Don’t be disappointed—when it rises just after sunset, the moon takes on a fleeting golden or rose-colored hue due to atmospheric effects. This is created only when the moon is low on the horizon by Earth’s atmosphere, which bends and scatters the light in a way that adds a warm, ethereal glow to the moon’s appearance. It’s fleeting, but beautiful.
Tonight’s Pink Moon will rise at 7:49 PM and reach its peak illumination at 8:22 PM EDT. For an optimal view, head to a wide-open area and look east just after sunset. When low on the horizon, the moon appears larger than usual due to an optical effect known as the moon illusion.
Look closely to find Spica, Virgo constellation’s brightest star, shimmering beside tonight’s radiant moon like a cosmic jewel. The two will rise together, side by side — the moon glowing steadily, Spica flickering next to it like a cosmic jewel.
In Shenandoah and surrounding areas, this moon is also called Sprouting Grass Moon for its association with spring growth. It’s also called the Egg Moon, named after the eggs laid by geese and other birds during this season. Native American tribes named this moon “Moon When Ducks Come Back,” marking migratory birds’ return to their habitats during spring.
The first full moon after spring equinox is called Paschal or Easter Moon. It determines Easter’s date, celebrated on the first Sunday after this full moon according to ecclesiastical tradition.
Regardless of its name, a full moon is always a breathtaking sight, but tonight’s Pink Moon is truly something special. Unlike the rest of this year’s full moons—which will peak either during the day, in the late-night hours, or in the wee hours of the morning—this moon reaches its peak at 8:22 PM EDT, perfectly timed for prime evening viewing. So, if the skies are clear, step outside and take in the radiant glow of our celestial neighbor.
