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April Micromoon to Grace Night Skies: Watch Live Online
Sky enthusiasts are in for a celestial treat this weekend as the smallest and most distant full moon of the year, known as the micromoon, is set to illuminate the night sky. This April’s full moon, traditionally called the Pink Moon or Paschal Moon, will reach its peak on Saturday, offering a unique viewing opportunity. Although it won’t exhibit a pink hue, this month’s lunar event will appear subtly diminished and fainter due to its position at apogee, the farthest point from Earth in its orbit. For those eager to witness this phenomenon, the Virtual Telescope Project will host a free online livestream.
Observing the Micromoon
The full moon will make its appearance on Saturday and reach its zenith at 8:22 p.m. EDT (0022 GMT April 13). Unlike supermoons, which appear larger and brighter, this micromoon will present a slightly smaller and dimmer visage. This is because the moon will be at its apogee, its greatest distance from Earth during its orbit. This farthest point is what earns it the designation “micromoon.”
Virtual Telescope Project Livestream
The Virtual Telescope Project, situated in Manciano, Italy, will provide a live view of the micromoon through its robotic telescopes. The free livestream is scheduled to commence at 8:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday (0000 GMT on April 13), coinciding with the moon attaining its full phase. Viewers can access the livestream via Space.com, courtesy of the Virtual Telescope Project, or directly through the project’s WebTV page or YouTube channel.
Subtle Size Difference
According to a statement from the Virtual Telescope Project, the moon will reach a maximum distance of approximately 252,277 miles (406,000 kilometers) from Earth this weekend.
Gianluca Masi, founder of the Virtual Telescope Project and astronomer, explained to Space.com that “As a result, our satellite will appear about 6% smaller in the sky than an average full moon,” further noting, “In addition, this will be the most distant and faintest full moon of the year.”
However, discerning this slight size variation with the unaided eye may prove challenging. To enhance the viewing experience, the Virtual Telescope Project, located under the pristine, dark skies of Italy’s Maremma countryside, will broadcast real-time images of the faint full moon, allowing audiences to appreciate this celestial event from their homes.
Related Lunar Events
Explore these related stories for more insights into lunar phenomena:
- April’s Full Pink Moon to Rise as a ‘Micromoon’ This Weekend: Learn more about what to expect from the smallest full moon of 2025.
- Newly Discovered Comet C/2025 F2 (SWAN) Captured in Stunning Photo: View a breathtaking image of the comet blazing across UK skies.
- Moon Dust May Help Astronauts Power Sustainable Lunar Cities: Discover how lunar dust could contribute to sustainable lunar habitats.