A Micromoon Will Grace the Night Skies This Weekend

The Moon orbits Earth not in a perfect circle, but an ellipse. The closest point in this orbit is called perigee, and the furthest point is apogee. When a full moon aligns with perigee, we get a 'supermoon,' appearing larger and brighter. Conversely, when a full moon occurs near apogee, as it will this weekend, it's informally dubbed a 'micromoon.'

The difference in apparent size between a supermoon and a micromoon can be up to 14%, and the brightness difference can be around 30%. However, without a direct comparison side-by-side, spotting the 'micro' aspect can be challenging for casual observers.

April's full moon carries the nickname 'Pink Moon' from Native American and cultural traditions, linked to the blooming of the phlox subulata flower in North America. Other names for April's full moon include the Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, and Fish Moon, reflecting seasonal changes.

Observing the micromoon doesn't require special equipment. Simply find a clear view of the night sky away from bright city lights. While it won't appear dramatically small, knowing it's at its orbital maximum distance adds context to your skygazing.

What exactly is a micromoon?

It's a full moon that occurs when the Moon is at or near the point in its orbit furthest from Earth (apogee).

Will the Moon actually look smaller?

Yes, slightly smaller and dimmer than an average full moon, but the difference can be hard to perceive without a direct comparison.

Why is it also called the Pink Moon?

This name comes from the timing of April's full moon coinciding with the blooming of pink phlox flowers in spring, not because the Moon appears pink.

Do you notice a difference in size during a micromoon compared to other full moons? Let us know!

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