Pink Moon, Meteor Shower and ‘Smiley Face’ Alignment Coming to April Night Sky

SAN ANGELO, TX — Stargazers this month can look forward to a pink moon, a meteor shower and a rare planetary alignment forming a cosmic “smiley face” in the night sky, according to NASA. 

April’s full moon, known as the pink moon, will rise on Saturday, April 12. It will be the smallest full moon of 2025, appearing as a “micromoon” because it occurs when the moon is at its farthest point from Earth. Despite the name, the moon will not appear pink. The term comes from moss pink, a wildflower that blooms in early spring across the eastern United States.

The moon will reach peak illumination at 7:22 p.m. CDT and may appear slightly smaller and dimmer than usual. In some parts of Central and South America, and southern Africa, the moon will briefly cover the bright star Spica in an event known as an occultation. For the best view, NASA recommends looking to the eastern horizon around sunset.

The Lyrid meteor shower will follow later in the month, peaking overnight from April 21 into the early hours of April 22. Up to 15 meteors per hour may be visible under dark skies, with the best viewing around 5 a.m. NASA advises looking east from a dark location after 10:30 p.m. and allowing about 30 minutes for eyes to adjust.

A final event will take place on April 24 and 25, when Venus, Saturn and the crescent moon align in the eastern sky just before sunrise. The alignment will create the appearance of a sideways smile low on the horizon.

All events are weather-dependent and are best viewed away from bright city lights.