The first full moon of spring, known as the Pink Moon, is set to appear across Pakistan on Sunday, April 13, at exactly 9:08 pm local time.
Although it won’t actually appear pink, the moon gets its name from pink wildflowers, known as phlox, that bloom in early spring.
According to astronomers, the flower bloom in North America, which traditionally occur around the same time in early spring. The term has been passed down through generations as part of various cultural traditions.
The full moon is set to rise in Karachi around 9:08 pm UTC and will remain visible throughout the night, rising in the east at sunset and setting in the west at sunrise.
The best time to view the Pink Moon will be just after sunset, when it appears larger and brighter near the horizon due to the “moon illusion”—a natural optical effect.
This particular full moon also carries religious significance, as it is known as the Paschal Moon—the first full moon after the spring equinox.
Its appearance helps determine the date of Easter, which falls on April 20 this year.
The next full moon, known as the Flower Moon, will occur on May 12, 2025.
In total, there will be 12 full moons this year, including three supermoons and two total lunar eclipses—one of which will be visible in Karachi between September 7 and 8.
Renowned Pakistani astronomer Javed Iqbal explained that the Pink Moon is a yearly event that marks the arrival of spring.
“This full moon always appears around the beginning of spring. It’s best viewed at moonrise, just after sunset, when the moon appears especially large and bright,” he said.
This phenomenon, where the moon appears unusually massive near the horizon, is referred to as the "Moon Illusion"—an optical effect that adds to the moon’s dramatic beauty during its rise.
In the United States, the Pink Moon will reach its peak on April 12 at 8:23 pm, but viewers in Pakistan will experience it at its finest on the night of April 13, soon after sunset.
For the best view, Javed Iqbal suggested looking toward the eastern horizon right after the sun goes down.
He emphasized that although the moon will not be pink, its visual brilliance and size during its rise make it one of the most picturesque lunar events of the year.