On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Pakistan will witness the spectacular Pink Moon, which is the first full Moon of spring. But this celestial event is about more than just a lovely view, it has cultural meaning and gives stargazers everywhere the chance to feel closer to the universe.
What Is the Pink Moon, and Why Is It Special?
The radiant Pink Moon, which heralds spring. Despite its name, this full moon does not appear pink in the night sky. The name comes from the wild ground phlox — pink wildflowers that blossom in early spring all over North America, announcing the season’s arrival.
The 2025 Pink Moon will peak at 8:23 p.m. EDT on Saturday, April 12, but it will be most easily seen in Pakistan on Sunday, April 13.
Skywatchers in Pakistan, especially in Karachi, will see the Pink Moon on April 13 around 9:08 p.m. UTC. The moon is also up all night long; it rises in the eastern sky at sunset and slowly sets in the western sky at sunrise.
For the most stunning sight, go out just after sunset when the moon is near the horizon. This is when you will get to experience the interesting “moon illusion” — an optical effect that makes the moon look larger and brighter as it hangs above the horizon. This optical illusion happens because our brains interpret the moon as seeming larger when it appears to have reference points — such as buildings or trees — that are nearby.
What a Pink Moon Means Religiously
The Pink Moon itself doesn’t have a specific religious significance in Islam, as the lunar calendar used in Islam (Hijri calendar) doesn’t recognize moon names like “Pink Moon” which come from Native American, Colonial American, and European traditions.
However, full moons in general do have importance in Islamic practice and tradition:
- Islamic Calendar: The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, with months beginning with the sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal). While the Pink Moon (April’s full moon) isn’t specifically named in Islamic tradition, all full moons mark approximately the middle of Islamic lunar months.
- Prayer Timing: Full moons can help Muslims determine prayer times in situations where modern time-keeping isn’t available, as the visibility and position of the moon assists in identifying parts of the night.
- Historical Events: Some historical Islamic events occurred during full moons. For example, the Battle of Badr, a significant event in Islamic history, took place on the 17th of Ramadan when the moon would have been nearly full.
- Natural Signs: In Islamic teachings, celestial bodies like the moon are considered signs (ayat) of Allah’s creation. The Quran mentions the moon numerous times as evidence of divine design and precision.
- Moon Sighting Committees: In many Muslim countries, religious authorities form committees to sight the moon for determining the beginning and end of Islamic months, especially for Ramadan and Eid celebrations.
If the Pink Moon happens to coincide with significant Islamic dates in a given year, it might take on additional religious importance for Muslims, but the “Pink Moon” designation itself is not part of Islamic tradition.
What’s Next for Pakistan’s Night Sky?
And the Pink Moon is only the start of a banner year for celestial lovers. After this event, sky watchers can stay tuned for:
Flower Moon: Most recently on May 12, 2025
A trio of Supermoons this year, total Lunar Eclipse on September 7-8 visible for Karachi
How to Take the Best Pink Moon Photo
To keep this nuerfingly moment:
- Use a tripod for stability
- Try to use a camera with manual settings, not your smartphone
- Add some landscape elements into your frame for perspective
- Do some settings testing on the moon well before it rises
- Adjust exposure settings to see the details of the moon without losing its golden-hour glowExperiment with exposure settings to capture both the moon’s details and its golden-hour glow
FAQs About the Pink Moon
Are Pink Moon Actually Pink?
Not really, at least not in the sky, where the Pink Moon doesn’t actually look pink. The name is from pink wildflowers known as phlox, which flower in early spring. When it rises, the moon usually looks its normal golden color and then brightens to a dazzling white as it rises higher in the sky.
Can We See Pink Moon?
Yes! The Pink Moon will be sighted throughout Pakistan as well as internationally. In Pakistan, it will be most prominent on Sunday, April 13, 2025, when it will rise around sunset and be visible all night.
How Does Pink Moon Happen?
The Pink Moon isn’t a unique lunar phenomenon — it’s just what April’s full moon is called. A full moon happens when the moon sits exactly opposite the sun, with Earth in the middle, illuminating the moon’s side facing Earth.
How Often Pink Moon?
The Pink Moon is an annual event that usually takes place in April. It is always the first full moon of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
How Does Pink Moon Look Like?
The Pink Moon appears just like any ordinary full moon — a full, shining disc in the night sky. When low in the sky, it often shows up as golden or yellowish colored due to effects from the atmosphere, and then it changes white color as it rises higher.
How Rare Is Pink Moon?
The Pink Moon itself is not unique, as it happens every year. But every full moon possesses a different personality based on the conditions of the atmosphere and its orientation up in the sky, turning each Pink Moon sighting into a one-of-a-kind experience.
Who Can See The Pink Moon?
When it’s nighttime in your part of the globe, everyone everywhere can see the Pink Moon. It will also become a brilliant naked-eye object in 2025 when it becomes well-positioned for viewing on April 13 from Pakistan and nearby areas.
Pink Moon Is Real Or Fake?
The Pink Moon is, indeed, very real! It’s the old-school name for April’s full moon. The moon itself doesn’t turn pink, but the full moon phenomenon definitely is real — it’s something that can be observed.
What Are Pink Moon Oysters?
Pink Moon oysters have nothing to do with the astronomical phenomenon. They’re a type of oyster grown mostly in Prince Edward Island, Canada. These oysters are clean, with briny flavor and sweet cucumber notes, and take their name from the pink coloration of their shell.
How Much Are Pink Moon Boots?
The Pink Moon boots have nothing to do with the phenomenon of the moon.
Can The Pink Moon Make You Feel A Certain Way?
While many cultures have held for thousands of years that full moons can affect human behavior and emotions, there is limited scientific evidence for such influence. (Some research suggests that full moons can subtly affect sleep patterns, which might in turn affect mood.) During full moons, the Pink Moon included, many people say they feel more invigorated or emotionally sensitive.
Pink Moon Camping: Pink Moon Camping At Electric Picnic
Pink Moon camping at Electric Picnic (a music festival) isn’t connected to the lunar Pink Moon, astronomically speaking.
Conclusion
The Pink Moon is a celestial moment of wonder in our busy lives. So when it (as well as the sun) illuminates Pakistan’s night sky on April 13, step outside, look up and sync yourself with the time-honoured natural rhythm. If you’re an astronomy buff or just someone who appreciates the sight of something beautiful in nature, the Pink Moon presents a great opportunity to stop and reflect on the grandeur of our universe.
Be sure to note this enchanting evening on your calendar and consider rounding up your friends and family for a moon-lit get together celebrating the arrival of spring in the soft light of the Pink Moon.
