As the new year begins, sky enthusiasts are in for a celestial treat with a series of spectacular lunar events set to unfold throughout 2025.
The Emirates Astronomical Society has identified 16 significant astronomical occurrences involving the Moon, Venus, Mars, Saturn, and other celestial bodies that will captivate stargazers and astronomers alike.
The first major event will take place on January 3, when the Moon will align with Venus and Saturn just after sunset. This conjunction promises a stunning sight as the two planets and the Moon share the same line of sight from Earth, creating an exceptional visual display.
Only one day later, on January 4, another unique event will occur: the occultation of Saturn by the Moon. During this event, Saturn will briefly disappear behind the Moon as seen from Earth, offering an intriguing phenomenon for observers.
Following these events, the first full moon of the year, set to occur on January 13 and 14, will be particularly noteworthy, as it will occult Mars in a spectacular post-sunset display.
The rare sight of the Moon crossing in front of Mars will be visible to stargazers, and it is expected to offer an awe-inspiring experience for those watching the skies.
Looking ahead to February 1, the Moon will make a close approach to Venus in a post-sunset alignment. This close pass between the Moon and the dazzling planet will offer another picturesque moment for those gazing up into the sky.
March will bring one of the most anticipated events of the year – a total lunar eclipse, or “blood moon,” which will take place on the night of March 13 and 14.
The total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, casting a reddish hue on the lunar surface.
This stunning spectacle will be visible across many parts of the world. Just two weeks later, on March 29, a partial solar eclipse will be visible, adding to the celestial excitement of the month.
The summer months will not disappoint either. On June 22, a conjunction between the crescent Moon, Venus, and the Pleiades star cluster will be visible before sunrise, providing another remarkable sight for early risers.
A similar conjunction will occur on July 22, this time involving Venus and Jupiter. The celestial dance of these planets with the crescent Moon promises to be an impressive visual treat for those observing the sky during the early hours of the morning.
August will bring another series of spectacular celestial events, with the crescent Moon coming close to Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury on August 19 and 20, providing an enchanting pre-sunrise display for sky watchers.
Fall 2025 will bring two more total lunar eclipses: the second one will occur on September 7, followed by a partial solar eclipse on September 21. These events are sure to captivate those who enjoy observing the Moon’s phases and its interactions with the Sun and Earth.
The celestial events of 2025 will culminate with the Harvest Moon on October 6, the full Moon closest to the autumnal equinox, and the closest supermoon since 2019, which will be visible on November 5.
Finally, the year will conclude with the Cold Moon on December 4, marking the full Moon closest to the winter solstice, another post-sunset spectacle for lunar enthusiasts to enjoy.
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, expressed his excitement about the upcoming events, stating that these phenomena will not only offer a beautiful display but also present opportunities for scientific research and observation.
As 2025 unfolds, these celestial events are sure to inspire wonder and curiosity, making it a year to remember for those who look to the skies.