If you're a stargazer or simply enjoy marvelling at the night sky, 2025 will be a fantastic year for celestial events in the United Kingdom. From mesmerising meteor showers to rare planetary alignments, there are plenty of reasons to look up this year. Here’s a month-by-month guide to the most exciting astronomical events visible from the UK.
January
Quadrantids Meteor Shower (Peak: January 3)
One of the strongest meteor showers of the year, the Quadrantids, will light up the sky with up to 200 meteors per hour at its peak. The best time to catch the show is in the pre-dawn hours, away from city lights.
Planetary Alignment (January 21 – February 21)
Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn will appear close together in the night sky, offering a rare and beautiful celestial display.
February
National Astronomy Week (February 1–9)
This nationwide event celebrates all things astronomical, with public observing sessions, live-streamed telescope views, and expert talks. The 2025 theme, “Chasing the Moon”, focuses on lunar observations and a stunning planetary parade.
March
Total Lunar Eclipse (March 14)
A Blood Moon will be visible in the UK as the Moon takes on a deep red hue while passing through Earth’s shadow.
Partial Solar Eclipse (March 29)
Approximately 40–50% of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon in a spectacular partial solar eclipse, visible across the UK.
August
Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter (August 11–12)
The two brightest planets in our night sky will appear very close together, creating a dazzling sight visible to the naked eye.
September
Total Lunar Eclipse (September 7–8)
For those who missed the March event, another Blood Moon will grace UK skies in the early morning hours.
October – December
Supermoons
The last few months of the year will bring three consecutive supermoons:
- Hunter’s Moon (October 7)
- Beaver Moon (November 5)
- Cold Moon (December 4)
During these events, the full Moon will appear larger and brighter due to its closer proximity to Earth.
Geminids Meteor Shower (Peak: December 13–14)
One of the most dazzling meteor showers, the Geminids, will peak mid-December, producing over 100 meteors per hour under dark skies.
Bonus: Dark Skies Festival
For those eager to experience these celestial wonders under the best conditions, the Dark Skies Festival runs until the end of March, with events held in various National Parks across the UK.
Final Tips for Stargazing in 2025
- Check the weather: Cloud cover can obscure these events, so keep an eye on forecasts.
- Find a dark location: Rural areas away from city lights provide the best viewing conditions.
- Use a telescope or binoculars: While many events are visible to the naked eye, a telescope enhances the experience.
Mark your calendars and get ready to witness these incredible astronomical phenomena in 2025!
