The Moon has been a critical part of human societies from the very beginning, and it is still a staple in our night skies today. However, between blood moons, supermoons, and ocean tides, there is more to a full moon than immediately meets the eye. The next full moon will grace the night sky on April 12, 2025, at 8:22 PM Eastern time, or April 13, 2025, at 0:22 GMT. Known as the 'Pink Moon', this celestial event coincides with the blooming of phlox subulata, a native pink flower in North America.
But don’t expect the moon to take on that floral hue. In fact, the April full moon will occur near apogee, meaning it will be at its most distant point in its orbit. As a result, it will appear slightly smaller than a typical full moon, resembling the size difference between a quarter and a nickel when seen from Earth. Nonetheless, the subtlety of this change is often unnoticed by the naked eye.
For those excited about moon-gazing, 2025 will offer a rare treat as there will be a total of two lunar eclipses alongside three supermoons among the twelve full moons throughout the year. The first full moon of the year, dubbed the Wolf Moon, is on January 13, followed by the Snow Moon on February 12, and the dramatic Worm Moon, which will witness a total lunar eclipse, on March 14. The sequence continues with the Pink Moon in April and the Flower Moon on May 12, which will also occur at apogee.
In June, skywatchers can look forward to the Strawberry Moon on June 11, and the Buck Moon, with another total eclipse, on July 10. The Sturgeon Moon follows in August, and the Full Corn Moon will appear on September 7. Rounding off the year's full moons are the Hunter's Moon on October 7, Beaver Moon on November 5, and Cold Moon on December 4, both of which will be at perigee, also known as supermoons.
If you're interested in catching the marvel of the moons, binoculars can enhance the experience significantly. An entry-level pair of 10x50 binoculars, like the Celestron Ultima, will allow viewers to appreciate the craters and surface details of the moon. For a more in-depth viewing experience, a telescope could be the way to go. The Celestron 114LCM Computerized Telescope, with its impressive 4.49 inch aperture and 1000mm focal length provides magnification up to 269x.
Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a novice observer, the full moon is generally visible to the unaided eye. However, using binoculars or telescopes introduces greater detail and enjoyment. For those planning to photograph the moon, a variable lunar filter may help mitigate brightness.
The moon’s effects extend beyond mere beauty; they also influence Earth in tangible ways. The moon’s gravitational force is the primary cause of ocean tides. When the full moon occurs, the alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun creates heightened tides known as 'spring tides.' This phenomenon occurs when their gravitational effects combine, while the additional impact of the sun also contributes.
If the full moon coincides with the moon being at perigee (the point closest to Earth), the effects are even more pronounced, leading to even higher tides.
Mark your calendars for a lunar eclipse set to take place in August 2025. Unfortunately for enthusiasts in North and South America, it will not be visible except in parts of Alaska and Eastern Brazil. However, residents of Europe, Asia, and Oceania will be able to enjoy this celestial spectacle.
The Moon continues to captivate human beings, weaving itself into the fabric of our cultures and beliefs. From folklore to scientific inquiry, its influence endures, reminding the world of the mysteries and beauty just beyond our reach. So, as the Pink Moon approaches, take a moment to appreciate not only its visual splendor but also the fascination it has sparked throughout human history.
