A Magical April Evening Awaits
Australians are in for a lunar treat this weekend as April’s Full Pink Moon lights up the night sky. Coinciding with a micromoon, this celestial event promises beauty, tradition, and cosmic energy all in one.
The Pink Moon will reach peak illumination on Saturday, 12 April, at 10:22 a.m. AEST, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory. While it won’t actually appear pink, its glow will carry deep symbolism tied to spring and rebirth.
Australians are in for a lunar treat this weekend as April’s Full Pink Moon lights up the night sky. Although the name mentions pink, it won’t actually look pink like this image.
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Why Is It Called the Pink Moon?
The term “Pink Moon” originates from early spring wildflowers. The Old Farmer’s Almanac links the name to moss pink, a native North American bloom.
Other names for this April moon include the Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, and Fish Moon. These names reflect seasonal changes and cultural traditions across different regions.
Some Native American tribes called it the “breaking ice moon” or the “moon when the ducks come back,” highlighting the signs of early spring.
Supermoon or Micromoon? It’s a Micromoon
Unlike previous years, this Pink Moon is a micromoon. That means it’s at apogee — the farthest point from Earth in its orbit.
According to NASA, this distance stretches to approximately 405,000 kilometres from Earth.
This makes the moon appear smaller and dimmer than usual. But experts say the visual difference might be hard to detect.
May’s full moon is also set to be a micromoon.
Celestial Calendar: Easter and Passover
This full moon holds religious importance, too. NASA explains Easter falls on the Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon.
This year, Easter will be celebrated on Sunday, 20 April.
Passover also aligns with this moon. The Jewish holiday begins on Saturday night, with its first evening tied to the full moon.
Star Power: Kyle Thomas Explains the Pink Moon
Celebrity astrologer Kyle Thomas shared insights with Good Morning America about the moon’s energy.
“Libra is a charming, social and kind zodiac sign that is represented by the symbolic image of the scales or balance,” he said.
“This shows their innate desire for fairness, justice and logic. By working with others, we can advance our goals and become greater than just ourselves.”
He added that this full moon is perfect for rituals involving relationships and communication.
“Because Libra is an air sign, using communication, mantras, or journaling can be excellent tools for manifestation,” Thomas explained.
“Libra is also ruled by Venus, the planet of love, so using the color pink can be helpful. Using rose quartz, incense, or flowers can also aid you.”
Rituals and Mantras for the Pink Moon
Thomas recommends meditation and manifestation rituals. Focus on relationship balance and inner peace.
Here are some mantras you can try:
- I am ready to build my relationships.
- My heart and mind are open to others.
- I manifest healthy partnerships and connections at all times.
- I have healthy boundaries in my relationships.
Will It Actually Look Pink?
Despite its name, the Pink Moon won’t actually glow pink — at least not in any noticeable way. The title doesn’t refer to the moon’s colour, but rather to the time of year it appears.
April’s full moon earned the name “Pink Moon” because it coincides with the early spring bloom of wildflowers in the northern hemisphere. One of the first to blossom is Phlox subulata, commonly known as moss pink, which blankets the landscape in shades of pink and purple during this time.
As a result, Indigenous tribes and early colonial settlers named the moon after this seasonal marker. The label has since stuck, even though those watching from the southern hemisphere are currently in autumn. So while the moon’s glow remains its usual silvery-white, its name still celebrates nature’s changing rhythms.
You’ll need a little imagination if you’re expecting a rose-coloured moon — but the story behind the name adds a poetic touch to the night sky.
When to Watch in Australia
The Full Pink Moon peaks at 10:22 a.m. AEST on Saturday, 12 April.
Although that’s daylight, you’ll still enjoy a nearly full moon on Friday night and Saturday evening.
Use apps or moon calendars to check local moonrise times for the best view.
Ready your cameras, crystals or just your picnic blanket. The Pink Moon brings more than a view — it brings a vibe.
