LOCAL

When is the next full moon? Here's how to see the April Pink Moon in Colorado

Portrait of Nate Trela Nate Trela
Fort Collins Coloradoan

In March, Coloradans who had cooperating skies were able to see the Blood Moon and take in the reddish-orange hues of the first total lunar eclipse visible across the U.S. in three years.

April brings the first full moon of spring. It is called the Pink Moon — even though it won’t change color — among other names that give a nod to early signs of spring. It is also a micromoon, appearing almost as small in the sky as possible for a full moon to be.

It is also a significant moon for its importance to the timing of Christian religious holidays.

Here’s more about the Pink Moon.

When is the Pink Moon?

The Pink Moon will occur on April 12, 2025. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon will reach peak illumination at 6:23 p.m. MT.

Will the Pink Moon actually look pink?

No. April's full moon gets its name from the early spring bloom of creeping phlox, a pink flower found in parts of eastern North America, according to Starwalk.

What are other names for April's full moon?

April full moon names bestowed by Native Americans largely pay homage to signs of spring, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. They include:

  • The Breaking Ice Moon (Algonquin) and Moon When the Streams Are Again Navigable (Dakota) recognize how warming tempers are melting ice in rivers.
  • The Budding Moon of Plants and Shrubs (Tlingit) and Moon of the Red Grass Appearing (Oglala) point to new plant life.
  • The Moon When the Ducks Come Back (Lakota), Moon When the Geese Lay Eggs (Dakota), Frog Moon (Cree) and Sucker Moon (Anishinaabe) call attention to animals.

What is a micromoon?

April’s full moon will be a micromoon. This occurs when the moon is at its farthest point from Earth, known as its apogee. The distance makes it appear smaller and dimmer than usual; it is the opposite of a super moon.

What is the Paschal Moon?

This year, April’s full moon is the first one after the  spring equinox, making it the Paschal Moon in Christianity. For most Christians, the date for Easter — April 20 this year — is set as the first Sunday following the Paschal Moon.

Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for the USA TODAY Network.