The year 2025 promises thrilling celestial events for night sky enthusiasts. From lunar eclipses and meteor showers to Saturn’s ‘disappearing’ rings, there’s plenty to anticipate. Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or a casual stargazer, these events offer something for everyone fascinated by the cosmos. Here’s a list of the most captivating astronomical events to watch in 2025.
- Total Lunar Eclipse – March 29, Saturday On March 29, a total lunar eclipse will occur as Earth’s shadow completely covers the moon. The moon will adopt a reddish hue during this event, creating a breathtaking spectacle for skywatchers.
- Annular Solar Eclipse – June 10, Tuesday On June 10, an annular solar eclipse will take place. During this event, the moon will block the center of the Sun, creating a brilliant ring of light. Residents in some areas of the Northern Hemisphere will have the opportunity to witness this spectacular phenomenon.
- Perseids Meteor Shower – August 12, Tuesday One of the most renowned meteor showers, the Perseids, will peak on August 12. Numerous meteors will streak across the sky during this event, making it an ideal night for stargazing.
- Saturn’s Rings ‘Disappear’ – March and September In 2025, Saturn’s rings will appear to “disappear” briefly. This phenomenon occurs when the rings are viewed from an angle that makes them less visible from Earth. This rare event happens every 15 years, providing a unique opportunity to observe Saturn differently.
- Meteor Showers – Lyrids (April 22), Eta Aquarids (May 6), and Leonids (November 18). In addition to the Perseids, other meteor showers to watch for include the Lyrids on April 22, the Eta Aquarids on May 6, and the Leonids on November 18. These events will offer more chances to witness shooting stars in the sky.
- Lunar Eclipses and Full Moons Throughout 2025, there will be several full moons and lunar eclipses. Some full moons include the Wolf Moon on January 28, the Snow Moon on February 27, and the Flower Moon on May 26. Each of these moons has a unique name, making it a fun way to track the lunar cycle.
- Equinoxes and Solstices – March 20 (Spring), September 21 (Autumn), December 21 (Winter). In 2025, there will be two equinoxes (when day and night are of equal length) and two solstices (the longest and shortest days of the year). These include the spring equinox on March 20, the autumn equinox on September 21, and the winter solstice on December 21.
Source: DNA