KSL News|3 minute read

April's Micromoon: What the Hell Is It and Why You Should Care

TL;DR

April's full moon is dubbed a 'micromoon' this year, meaning it will appear smaller in the sky than usual. Here’s why you should give a damn:

  • A micromoon occurs when the moon is at apogee, the farthest point from Earth.
  • It’s not the typical massive full moon you might expect, but it’s still a sight to behold.
  • Catch it on the weekend of April 12-13, 2025, when it will be shining just enough to light up your late-night escapades.

Here’s the full scoop!

Full Story

What the Hell Is a Micromoon?

So, here’s the deal: this April, the full moon is not just any moon; it’s a micromoon. Imagine the moon throwing a party, but it’s the B-list celebrity. It’s still the moon, but it’s playing hard to get from a distance—about 253,000 miles away, to be exact. When the moon is at apogee, the farthest point in its orbit around Earth, it’s what we call a micromoon. Don’t expect it to bulk up and shine like a freakin’ spotlight; instead, it’s going to be a little less impressive than usual. But hey, that doesn’t mean you should ignore it!

Why You Should Care

First off, who doesn’t love the moon? It's been a muse for poets, lovers, and just about anyone who's ever gazed up and thought, “Damn, that’s beautiful.” The micromoon will grace us with its presence on the weekend of April 12-13, 2025. Sure, it’s not going to eclipse your ex’s Instagram posts, but it’s still a cosmic event worth your attention. It’s a reminder that even the smallest things can pack a punch and that life is full of surprises.

How to Catch This Celestial Event

Grab your besties, some snacks, and a bottle of wine. Find a good spot away from the city lights because we all know those neon signs can be a buzzkill. Lay back, look up, and appreciate the view. If you're lucky, you might even catch it peeking through the clouds like it’s playing hide and seek. Snap some pictures, share them on social media, and don’t forget to tag your friends who said they’d join but probably bailed. They'll be jealous!

The Science Bit

For those who want to get nerdy about it, the micromoon isn’t just a cute nickname; it’s a real astronomical phenomenon. It’s all about that distance—when the moon is at apogee, it’s about 14% smaller and 30% dimmer than when it’s at perigee, the point closest to Earth. This year, we’re dealing with a 'Pink Moon,' which is the name given to the April full moon, but don’t get it twisted; it won’t actually be pink. Blame the name on the blooming phlox flowers that pop up this time of year.

Final Thoughts

So, mark your calendars! Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just someone looking for an excuse to get out and enjoy the night sky, the April micromoon is your ticket. Embrace the weirdness of the universe and take a moment to appreciate the little things—because sometimes, the smaller things in life can shine just as bright.

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