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Celestial Spectacle Alert: Micromoon and Potential Aurora Display This Weekend
Night sky watchers and aurora borealis enthusiasts, prepare yourselves! The cosmos may deliver an impressive celestial show this weekend, offering a chance to witness the northern lights alongside a unique lunar event.
Micromoon to Grace the Night Sky
This month’s Full Pink Micromoon is anticipated to ascend on Saturday, April 12th, achieving peak illumination at 8:22 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (0022 GMT, April 13th). Unlike the prominent and expansive supermoons anticipated later in the year, a micromoon represents the opposite phenomenon. It occurs when the moon reaches its farthest point from Earth, known as apogee. Consequently, this full moon will be the smallest and least luminous of 2025. It’s termed “pink” not due to its color, but rather its diminished brilliance compared to other full moons. This subtle lunar display will add an interesting dimension to the weekend’s night sky.
Geomagnetic Storm Could Trigger Aurora Borealis
Adding to the astronomical interest, the April full moon coincides with a possible G1-class geomagnetic storm. The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) issued an update indicating this storm could materialize overnight from April 11th into April 12th. This space weather event is triggered by a coronal mass ejection (CME) directed towards Earth. This CME is projected to interact with our planet’s magnetic field as the weekend commences. Regions at higher latitudes in the northern United States, such as northern Michigan and Maine, stand the best chance of observing the captivating aurora borealis, or northern lights.
Further Aurora Viewing Opportunities Possible
Will there be additional opportunities to view the aurora in the near future? According to SWPC’s most recent forecast on Friday, sunspot region AR4055 warrants monitoring for potential solar flares throughout the weekend. These flares could potentially unleash further CMEs, enhancing the chances for aurora displays. Sky watchers are advised to stay alert for updates from space weather agencies for the latest information on aurora visibility.