2025 is set to be an exciting year for astronomers and stargazers, promising spectacular celestial events that will certainly interest anyone in the night sky. From meteor showers to lunar eclipses, supermoons to the amazing aurora borealis, something will surely strike everyone’s fancy. Beginning the year are the Quadrantid meteor shower and a total lunar eclipse in March; a partial solar eclipse is also anticipated near the end of March.
The Moon crosses in front of the Pleiades Star Cluster-the Seven Sisters- in January; Venus will shine brightly in the mornings throughout the spring. The three supermoons this fall, with northern lights decorating the skies with increased frequency, ensure that 2025 is going to be one of the years that one never forgets. Get ready for some really beautiful displays of the natural world.
List of celestial events to observe this year 2025
Astronomical events to mark in 2025
Quadrantid meteor shower: January 3-4, 2025
The year starts off with the impressive Quadrantid meteor shower, one of the best meteor showers in the year. This event is expected to reach its peak on January 3rd or 4th. The best place to view it will be along the West Coast of America. They can expect to see up to 120 meteors per hour lighting up the sky at night and in the early morning. The Quadrantids are known for their fast, bright streaks of light, which are characterized by a blue or yellow-white tinge.
- Best view location: West Coast of America and the north.
- Best viewing tips: Steer away from light pollution, give your eyes time to acclimate to the darkness for at least 15 minutes, and patiently view it.
No gear required, although a pair of binoculars does add to the delight.
Moon passes directly in front of the Pleiades Star Cluster: January 9, 2025
On January 9th, the Moon passes directly in front of the Pleiades Star Cluster, also commonly known as “Seven Sisters” – a few bright stars scattered across the night sky. This truly beautiful celestial display will also appear again in February and July; thus, not to be missed by any gazing enthusiast owning binoculars or small telescopes.
- Best view location: Worldwide visibility (weather permitting).
- Best viewing tips: Binoculars or small telescopes to best see the Pleiades cluster as the Moon passes in front.
Total lunar eclipse: March 13-14, 2025
A total lunar eclipse will take place on March 13-14, and the Moon will appear a spectacular red color as it passes through the Earth’s shadow. This is going to be an exceptional phenomenon visible to millions of people in the United States. A total lunar eclipse can last for hours; the totality, or when the Moon becomes red, is approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes.
- Best view location: United States and other countries with clear skies.
- Best viewing tips: Lunar eclipses are safe to view with naked eyes. To have a good view, one should be at a place that has least light pollution and horizon view should not be blocked in any way.
Saturn’s rings invisible: March 23 – May 6, 2025
Saturn’s rings, tilted on the edge, become nearly invisible to any skywatchers between March 23rd to May 6th. During this time of the year, when the phenomenon called “ring edge-on” occurs, its rings are perceived from the side and not in front or in back. Its rings will also be hard for telescopes to catch during that time, but by May they start coming in gradually, again presenting a gorgeous view of the gas planet’s iconic features.
- Best view location: Worldwide (with a telescope).
- Best viewing tips: During this time, Saturn’s rings will be almost invisible, so telescope enthusiasts may have to wait until May for better viewing conditions.
Partial solar eclipse: March 29, 2025
On March 29th, a partial solar eclipse will be visible from Africa, Greenland, and parts of Europe. During this event, the Moon will pass between the Sun and the Earth, partially obscuring the Sun’s rays. The eclipse will start at 10:07 GMT, with maximum coverage at 11:03 GMT. Between 30% and 40% of the Sun will be covered during the peak.
- Best viewing locations: Africa, Greenland, and parts of Europe.
- Best viewing tips: Always use special solar filter glasses to safely view the eclipse.
Perseid meteor shower: August 2025
The most anticipated of the meteor showers throughout the year has been the Perseid meteor shower, to take place in August 2025. The Perseids have a reputation for bright fireballs; despite the fact that the Moon will be somewhat bright, the sky will shine bright with them. Most Perseid meteors travel fast and leave fabulous trails across the sky.
- Best view location: Northern Hemisphere – specifically where clear, dark skies prevail.
- Best viewing tips: View with the naked eye; viewing is possible in a telescope if one is available. Be certain of clear sky weather.
Supermoons: October, November and December 2025
Supermoons appear three times this year, during October, November and December 2025. It includes:
- Hunter’s Moon on October 7
- Beaver Moon on November 5
- Cold Moon on December 4
Supermoons occur when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth, making it appear up to 30% larger and 15% brighter than a regular full moon. Such events are perfect for those who enjoy moon-gazing or photography.
- Best viewing locations: Global.
- Best viewing tips: You don’t need any special equipment, but binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience. For photography, use night mode on your camera and avoid using flash.
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights): Throughout 2025
The aurora borealis, popularly known as the Northern Lights, will streak across the sky once again during 2025, when the Sun reaches its peak activity phase in an 11-year solar cycle. As charged particles strike Earth’s atmosphere, the resultant light displays could be quite incredible, with greens and reds, purples and blues shining brightly in them. The spectacles should grow more frequent and intense in the coming year.
- Best view location: Near the magnet poles of Scandinavia, Canada, or Alaska.
- Ideal viewing time: Darkness, clear sky with no visible artificial lighting.
Mark your calendar for stunning sky events in 2025
2025 shall be a wondrous year of observation for astronomers and stargazers. Celestial events during the year, including the bright Quadrantid meteor shower at the beginning and the spectacular view of Northern Lights, are truly going to present spectacular sights, not to say the least a year that guarantees everything for every astronomer, stargazer. Lunar eclipses, supermoons, the chance to gaze at Saturn with its rings visible edge-on shall make this yet another special event-filled year. Mark these dates and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the cosmos. Wait for the most wonderful sights from the universe – don’t miss these breathtaking astronomical phenomena!
Also Read | ISRO’s US satellite launch to enable direct smartphone calls from space – India’s role and other insights
