Small moon, big beauty: Pink Moon to light up Singapore skies on April 12

SINGAPORE – It may not be pink, but the Pink Moon will rise over Singapore on April 12, bringing with it a skywatching treat – and netizens have already started reaching for their cameras.

The Moon will rise at 6.40pm and, if skies are clear, observers across the island can expect a stunning – if slightly smaller – full moon gracing the night sky.

For the best views, look for an open area with a clear line of sight to the horizon, just after sunset, although weather conditions will have a bearing on visibility.

Why is it called the Pink Moon?

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the April full moon takes its name from a wildflower known as Phlox subulata, or moss pink. It is one of the first to bloom in spring in North America and lends its colour to the name – though the Moon itself will retain its usual silvery hue.

A smaller moon

This Pink Moon is also a micromoon, as it occurs when the Moon is at or near its farthest point from Earth in its orbit. As a result, it appears smaller and dimmer than a typical full moon.

It sets the date for Easter

This full moon holds special significance in the calendar.

According to the almanac, Easter Sunday falls on the Sunday after the full moon following the March equinox – making the April full moon the marker. In 2025, Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 20.

Almost full – and already admired

According to timeanddate.com, a website that tracks astronomical data, the Moon was 99.4 per cent full as at 11.30am on April 11. It will reach complete fullness at 8.22am on April 13, though on the night of April 12, the Moon still appeared full to the naked eye.

Images of the Moon, already glowing at more than 98.4 per cent fullness on the night of April 11, have started appearing on social media.

In the CloudSpotting and SkySpotting Singapore Facebook group, user Ang Tee posted a photo at about 5.12am on April 12, saying the sight made him “forget everything for a while”.

Another member, Mr Andrew Teo, shared a series of photos from April 11, capturing planes flying past the Moon. He described the scene simply as “the moon and some moon planes”.

What’s next?

If you miss the Pink Moon on April 12, fret not. The next full micromoon will rise on May 13, according to

timeanddate.com