Full moon rises behind Saint Jean-Baptiste (San Giovanni Battista) statue over Baptistery in Pisa, … More Tuscany, Italy, on April 5, 2023. April full moon is also known as pink, egg and fish moon. (Photo by Lorenzo Di Cola/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
NurPhoto via Getty Images
Each Friday, I pick out North America’s celestial highlights for the weekend ahead (which also apply to mid-northern latitudes in the northern hemisphere). Check my main feed for more in-depth articles on stargazing, astronomy, eclipses and more.
Skywatching This Weekend: April 11-13, 2025
This weekend, it’s all about the full moon. The first of spring in the Northern Hemisphere (and fall in the Southern Hemisphere), the pink moon will appear on the eastern horizon in a blaze of oranges and yellows (but not pinks!), but exactly when to look depends on where you are.
Here’s everything you need to know about stargazing this weekend:
Saturday, April 12: Full ‘Pink Moon’ Rises with Spica
Stellarium
Saturday, April 12: Full ‘Pink Moon’ Rises with Spica
From across the world, the moon will appear big and bright for a few nights, but tonight it won’t be alone. Close to it will be Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo, and one of the brightest stars of the new season. From North America, tonight’s the night to see it rise, with our natural satellite appearing shortly after sunset in gathering dusk. Use a moonrise calculator to find out the exact time of moonrise where you are, and get to a location with a good view low to the eastern horizon.
The full moon sets behind Stonehenge on April 27, 2021 in Amesbury, England. (Photo by Finnbarr … More Webster/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Sunday, April 13: Full ‘Pink Moon’ Rises
For those in Europe, the best full moonrise of the month occurs tonight about an hour after sunset. That’s a little late for twilight — when the spectacle is arguably at its best — but it’s as close as it gets this month. Rising in a dark sky, the full moon will no longer be very close to Spica, but it’s sure to still be a special sight.
Seeing the “Spring Diamond” in the eastern night sky is a sure sign that the new season has arrived. … More
Jamie Carter
Asterism Of The Weekend: Find The ‘Spring Diamond’
Wherever you are on the planet this weekend, the full moon — or almost full moon — will dominate the night sky, making it tricky to see stars and constellations. However, this asterism (shape in the sky) is worth finding. Look to the east after dark to the bright stars Spica in the constellation Virgo and Arcturus in Boötes. Now add the fainter Denebola in Leo (at the tail of the lion) and Cor Caroli in Canes Venatici (closer to the Big Dipper).
The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information, consult online planetariums like Stellarium.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
