The year 2025 promises to be a great one for stargazers. With more sightings of aurora borealis expected to light up the night sky as the Sun’s activity peaks, there are also a partial solar eclipse, a total lunar eclipse, and two consecutive supermoons to look forward to. Let’s take a look at the seven celestial events you should keep an eye out for in 2025.
First up, we have the annual Quadrantid meteor shower, which is one of the strongest meteor showers of the year. It will reach its maximum on 3 or 4 January in the UK, and is known for its active peak which can reach a rate of up to 120 meteors per hour for a short period.
On 29 March, there will be a partial solar eclipse visible from the UK, when the Moon passes between the Earth and Sun, blocking a part of the Sun’s rays from reaching Earth. Between 30% and 40% of the Sun is expected to be covered during this cosmic event.
We will also have one total lunar eclipse visible from the UK on 7 September, when the Sun, Earth and Moon align. During a lunar eclipse, the Moon appears red because the only sunlight reaching the Moon has to pass through Earth’s atmosphere. The period of totality when the Moon turns red will last for an hour and 22 minutes, making it the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022.
In 2025, there will be three supermoons to look forward to: the Hunter’s Moon on 7 October, the Beaver Moon on 5 November, and the Cold Moon on 4 December. Supermoons happen when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, appearing up to 15% brighter and 30% bigger than regular full moons.
Finally, we have the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis. As the Sun’s 11-year cycle of activity peaks, there could be many more sightings of aurora in the next 12 months. Dark and clear nights are the optimum viewing conditions, so we can only hope that 2025 gifts us with more spectacles in the night sky.
Remember that if you want to observe any of these celestial events, it is best to move away from light pollution, wrap up warm, and let your eyes adjust to the night sky for at least 15 minutes. No equipment is needed, though a clear sky and a lot of patience are prerequisites
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