A new year brings an endless amount of new opportunities. Some of those will surprise you in the moment, others can be meticulously planned. If one of your good intentions for 2025 is to be more aligned with nature and to spend more time outside, our list of astronomical events to look out for in the coming year might be of particular interest to you.
While the universe changes every second and while there is still a lot we don’t know about, astronomers have been studying the subjects for thousands of years now. This doesn’t just mean that many of us know the names of the constellations but it also means that every year comes with its own astronomical calendar, giving us numerous celestial events to look forward to. We’ve selected some of the best ones which you don’t want to miss this year.
1. The Quandrantids
Although the peak of the Quandrantids was on 3 January, it is not too late to catch a glimpse of one of 2025’s most active meteor showers. Up to 120 meteors per hour will lighten up the sky as small pieces of cosmic debris will be entering Earth’s atmosphere at extremely high speed, burning up due to the friction.
2. Mars
As Mars reaches opposition – the moment during its orbit during which the planet is closest to Earth – the Red Planet will be visible with a telescope during the whole month of January. However, if you want to optimise your chances, try your luck on 16 January and look out for a red or orange-looking object in the sky.
3. Lunar eclipse – North America
If you’re living in North America, you’ll have the chance to spot the first total lunar eclipse since 2022. As the Moon passes through the Earth’s shadow on the night between 13 and 14 March, it will turn red.
4. Partial solar eclipse
With the next total solar eclipse in the UK scheduled for 2090, one might as well try to at least catch a partial solar eclipse for the time being. The event will occur between 10 am and noon on 29 March, with around 30% to 40% of the sun being blocked. Don’t forget your special solar filter glasses.
5. The Perseids
Although the Perseid meteor showers occur every year and the Perseids present up to 50-75 meteors per hour, this year’s peak (12-13 August) will sadly be affected by the moonlight. You can still see some of the brightest meteors but the rest will likely be concealed by the Moon. Nonetheless, they make for a great nighttime activity while on summer holiday.
6. Lunar eclipse – Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia
For those who aren’t living in North America but in Asia, parts of Europe, Africa and Australia instead, a total lunar eclipse will occur on 7 September, lasting 22 minutes in total.
7. Supermoons
2025 will host no less than three supermoons (although we were able to see four in 2024). The Hunter’s Moon (7 October), the Beaver Moon (5 November) and the Cold Moon (4 December) will appear up to 15% brighter and 30% bigger than a regular full moon, as Earth’s natural satellite is at its closest point in its orbit around Earth.
8. The Geminids
The Geminid meteor shower occurs at the very end of the year (14 December) but is also one of the most active. Up to 120 meteors per hour will be visible to the naked eye, giving you plenty of chance to make a wish or two before the year comes to an end.
9. Northern Lights
The Aurora Borealis could be seen from many locations and at multiple occasions over the span of 2024 and things aren’t about to change in 2025. The Sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year activity cycle and night skies are about to get very colourful.
