
Pink Moon: When to See Spring’s First Full Moon Rise in Blaze of Color
Get ready for a breathtaking sight as the first full moon of spring rises in the night sky. On Saturday, April 12, the “pink” moon will reach its fullest phase at precisely 8:23 p.m. EDT, coinciding with its rise over the eastern horizon just after sunset.
This rare alignment is made even more extraordinary by the fact that the moon is already full when it rises. This event is known as a “dark moonrise,” which means the moon will appear to be rising in all its glory without any of the harsh glare of daylight obscuring its beauty.
To witness this extraordinary spectacle, find an unobstructed view facing east and elevate your perspective for the best possible viewing experience. While binoculars or a telescope can enhance the details on the lunar surface, no special equipment is required to appreciate the breathtaking sight.
The pink moon gets its name not from any actual pink hue, but rather from the seasonal wildflowers known as creeping phlox that bloom in early spring across North America. This full moon has also been referred to as the “sprouting grass moon,” “fish moon,” and “egg moon.”
As for the best time to see this lunar event, the exact timing will vary depending on your location. In New York, sunset is scheduled at 7:32 p.m. EDT with a simultaneous moonrise at 7:31 p.m., while in Los Angeles, sunset will occur at 7:22 p.m. PDT followed by a moonrise at 7:26 p.m. In London, the timing is slightly different, with sunset at 7:53 p.m. BST and a moonrise at 8:52 p.m.
Notably, this full moon has significant implications for the Christian festival of Easter, which falls on April 20 due to its alignment with the lunar calendar. The pink moon serves as the “paschal moon,” determining the date of Easter Sunday in accordance with traditional practices.
Following the pink moon, we can expect the flower moon on May 12, marking the second full moon of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
Additional Background
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2025/04/09/pink-moon-when-to-see-springs-first-full-moon-rise-in-blaze-of-color/