It’s named the "Pink Moon," but that’s more because of a pink wildflower that blooms this time of year.
The fourth full moon of 2025 will occur this weekend. If you want to see a colored moon, you'd better watch when the sun sets on Saturday. For a fleeting moment, Alabama skywatchers can catch a golden or rose-colored hue. That is due to the light of the moon being bent and scattered by the Earth’s atmosphere.
Otherwise, you won’t see pink, only a large full moon at first and a smaller one later.
The name "Pink Moon" comes from Phlox Subulata, or moss pink — one of the first wildflowers to bloom in Alabama’s early spring. That and the brief coloration right after sunset will be the only color show skywatchers will get.
This full moon reaches peak illumination at 7:22 p.m. CT on Saturday. For the best view, find a wide-open area and look east just after sunset. When the moon is low, it appears larger than usual due to "moon illusion."
Alabama skywatchers who look closely can also see a shining companion near the moon, Spica, the brightest star in the Virgo constellation. The moon and Spica will rise together, side by side — the moon appearing to glow steadily, Spica flickering like a cosmic afterthought.
This full moon is also a micro-moon, meaning the moon is at its farthest point from Earth. After the initial large-looking Moonrise, it will look smaller and dimmer than usual — the opposite of a Supermoon.
The April full moon plays an important role in setting the calendar. It is the “Paschal Moon" that sets the date of Easter.
Jim' Zig' Zeigler writes about Alabama's people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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