With a total solar eclipse, a partial lunar eclipse, and plenty of meteor showers, 2024 was a banner year for stargazers. But no need to worry if you missed out, astronomical calendars are always packed with incredible events, as evidenced by 2025's er, stellar lineup.
A quick glance into the cosmic future tells us that 2025 will be a big year for dusting off our eclipse glasses, looking up to the sky, and maybe even wishing on a few shooting stars. From back-to-back supermoons to all of the eclipses, here are what we predict will be the most important stargazing events to look out (and look up) for this year.
Peak: January 3
The year started off strong with the Quadrantids Meteor Shower, an annual shower that occurs in early January. If you missed the peak on January 3, no worries. The shower lasts through the 12th of the month, giving you plenty of time to catch the tail end of the event.
When: March 14
While last year treated us to a partial lunar eclipse, 2025 is going above and beyond with not just one total lunar eclipse, but two. The first total lunar eclipse will be visible across the majority of North America as well as most of Central and South America. The eclipse will also be visible across Western Europe, Western Africa, and parts of Asia and Australia.
When: March 29
Just a little over two weeks after the total lunar eclipse, there will be a partial solar eclipse. Unfortunately, unlike last year's total solar eclipse, this partial one will not be visible across the entirety of the Americas. Visibility will be best in Canada with Greenland and Northern Europe also in the line of sight.
Peak: April 22-23
Although the Lyrids Meteor Shower is only considered an average shower with 20 meteors per hour, it is still always something to look out for in the spring. Unlike 2024, the shower will not be occurring during a full moon, meaning the visibility of meteors will not be inhibited by extra moonlight this year.
Peak: May 6
Eta Aquarids is an above-average shower, with meteors raining down at a rate up to 60 per hour, and it will run this year from April 19 to May 28. It will be most visible in the Southern Hemisphere, but stargazers in the North may still be able to see up to 30 meteors per hour. Unfortunately the peak looks like it will occur right around the full moon, which may make it difficult to spot some of the more faint meteors, but you should still be able to catch some of the brighter ones.
Peak: July 28-29
Delta Aquarids is the cousin to Eta Aquarids, and it runs annually between mid-July and late August. The meteors may not be as abundant as in its cousin, but the Delta Aquarids peak will occur during a crescent moon this year meaning a better chance to catch more meteors.
Peak: August 12-13
The Perseids are generally considered the best meteor shower of the year -- don't ask us, ask NASA -- and they can shower the sky at a rate of 100 meteors per hour. While a full moon may block out a portion of this year's meteors, the brighter ones will still be visible.
When: September 7
The second of this year's two total lunar eclipses rewards the patient, since it will be visible in all of the regions that did not get to experience the first one. That is, all of Asia and Australia, and the central and eastern parts of Europe and Africa will get a good view.
When: September 21
Following in the footsteps of the lunar eclipse in early September, the second partial solar eclipse of the year will be hitting places that did not get to see the one in March. Anyone in New Zealand, Antarctica, and the southern Pacific Ocean should get their eclipse viewing glasses ready for this one.
When: October 7, November 5, December 4
The final three months of the year will treat us with supermoons galore -- and the only supermoons of the year. Supermoons occur when a full moon happens at the same time the moon is at its closest point to the Earth. Because of its proximity to the planet, the full moon appears even brighter than normal to our naked eye.
Peak: October 7
It's considered a minor meteor shower with 10 meteors per hour, but there are still reasons to be excited about the Draconids. Unlike other meteor showers that are best viewed in the early morning, Draconids is most visible in the evening -- a nice change for the eternally groggy stargazing set. This year it will run from October 6 to 10.
Peak: October 21-22
Orionids are an annual shower in the mid-range of the meteors-per-hour scale that runs from October 2 to November 7. Because the moon will be absent around the peak, this year is a particularly good year for the Orionids with dark skies for maximum visibility.
Peak: November 17-18
Leonids are an average meteor shower peaking at 15 meteors per hour during peak times. While 2024's Leonids were during a full moon, this year the moon will be just a crescent for the Leonids, making for much better visibility.
Peak: December 13-14
The reigning queen of meteor showers, Geminids produces up to 120 meteors per hour at its peak. If you miss the peak, don't fret, this shower runs from December 7 to 17, giving you plenty of time to catch some of the brightest meteors in the sky.