According to longtime Almanac astronomer Bob Berman, this will be an extraordinary year in the sky. Here are his “must-see” celestial events for 2025, organized by the cycle of the seasons!
The universe does not pretend to offer equality regarding Earth’s sky calendar. Some years present mind-numbing spectacles; others are average, and others offer treats only for those lucky enough to live under rural dark skies and, perhaps, also own a good telescope.
We assume you enjoy natural spectacles and wouldn’t want to miss something bright, inspirational, and easy to see. So, let’s focus on the truly magnificent shows in the night sky that do not require any technical celestial knowledge or equipment other than your baby blues.
As you read the highlights, remember that you can always find out which planets are visible each night with the Almanac’s Visible Planets Calculator. You can also learn which stars are in the night sky with the Bright Stars Calculator.
Top Skywatching Highlights for 2025
The Winter Sky (January through March, 2025)
- Venus grows higher and brighter through January and February. Look the west and the “Evening Star” (its popular name), and you’ll see it nicely positioned high in the sky during the first hours after nightfall.
- From January 12 to 15, catch Venus hovering next to Saturn. On the 17th and 18th, the two planets will be closest. Look toward the west about 90 minutes after sunset in your location.
- On the 13th of January, the Moon Occults Mars. Look first for the Moon in the east around 8:30 P.M. EST (5:30 PT). It will eclipse or cover the bright orange planet, an event known as an occultation, which will seem to disappear for about an hour.
- All along, Giant Jupiter shines more brightly than any true star—outshone only by Venus. It will be visible all night long during early winter and, like Mars, will be nearly overhead in the middle of the night.
Total Lunar Eclipse on March 13 to 14: The winter season ends with a flourish, featuring a total eclipse of the Moon. In Eastern Daylight Time, the Full Moon will begin to enter Earth’s shadow at 1:10 AM. The total phase will start at 2:16 A.M. when the Moon will appear coppery red and fully immersed in our darkest (umbral) shadow. Check the 2025 eclipse dates for more details.
The Spring Sky (April through June)
- On April 1–2, catch a pretty conjunction of bright Jupiter and the waxing crescent Moon. It’s nicely timed for an hour after sunset. Nearby is the gorgeous Pleiades (“Seven sisters”) star cluster.
- Venus has now moved into the pre-dawn eastern sky, getting brighter and higher until it reaches a shadow-casting magnitude -4.8 in late April. It will remain a pre-dawn spectacle all the way through November and forms a particularly close, eye-catching conjunction with Jupiter on August 12.
- During the first week of May, especially May 3, spot the crescent Moon meets up with the red planet Mars. The two “hang out” at the Beehive. For this, get out the binoculars, and you’ll spot a fine star cluster named the Beehive, which is all in the constellation of Cancer the Crab. If you miss it, you get another shot on June 29.
The Summer Sky (July through September)
I don’t usually tout morning planets, as only insomniacs and early risers seem to take notice, but this year’s summer sky show is spectacular around dawn.
- On July 20 and 21, look out your east-facing window as morning twilight begins to see a fine, bright triangle formed by Venus, Jupiter, and the crescent Moon, the night’s three brightest objects. You may also see Pleiades and Aldebaran with the Hyades.
- If clouds interfere, the sky offers a do-over from August 11 to 13, when the two brightest planets huddle so close together that it may be the best conjunction of your life. We’re discussing Venus and Jupiter pairing up in the eastern morning sky. Start looking about 60 minutes before sunrise in your location.
- Finally, on September 19, look for the waning crescent Moon and stunning Venus to pair up in the eastern sky before dawn, about 90 minutes before sunrise. The remarkable blue star Regulus is right there, too.
September’s total lunar eclipse is not visible from most of North America, so take note if you hear media hype.
The Autumn Sky (October through December)
The Moon’s nearest visit to Earth of 2025 happens on November 5. Its center will then be only 221,725 from ours. Although the media will certainly call this lunar perigee a “supermoon,” it will actually look no different from any other Full Moon.
The year’s best meteor shower, the Geminids, will occur under dark, moonless skies on December 13, 2025. This is exciting since last year was marred by the Full Moon! If you live in dark skies, start looking after 8 p.m. your local time. In dark skies, expect more than 60 meteors an hour! Yep, that’s one every minute. So, mark the calendars and make plans. Pack up some heavy blankets and coats to stay cozy, get out the lawn chairs, make some hot cocoa, and get outside. Leave 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust.
Fingers crossed for dark skies!
