"Devil's Horns", Saturn in Opposition, and the Draconids. 15 spectacular lunar events in 2025 that are worth seeing

The year 2025 has 15 interesting astronomical events in store. Skywatchers will be able to see a rare solar eclipse, a Mars confrontation, and three supermoons.

Astronomers emphasize not to miss the brightest Venus and the "devil's horns" of the Sun. And, of course, astronomy enthusiasts will be delighted with numerous meteor showers this year, which will peak under the moonless night sky, Space.com writes.

The Quadrantid meteor shower

On January 3, around midnight, the Quadrantid meteor shower will be visible in the sky. According to astronomers, it will be very prolific - up to 120 shooting stars per hour at the peak of activity. In addition, the Quadrantids often create super-bright "fireballs". The moon will be below the horizon at this time, so the sky will showcase bright post-New Year fireworks.

Mars swallowed by the Wolf Moon

In January 2025, Mars will be extremely bright. But by midnight on January 13-14, it will be at its peak of luminosity. The entire globe can watch the Moon pass close to Mars, but from North America, the Red Planet will be best seen disappearing behind an almost full Wolf Moon.

Mars in opposition

On January 15, throughout the night, observers will be able to see Mars reach its full phase, called opposition. This happens once every 26 months, researchers say. But Mars will reach its perigee - its closest point to Earth - a few days earlier, on January 12.

The brightest crescent of Venus

On February 19, after sunset, Venus will be closest to the Earth and it will be possible to see the brightest crescent of this planet. According to astronomers, from January 11 to February 19, using a telescope, it will be possible to observe how Venus turns from a semi-illuminated to a 13% illuminated planet.

"Devil's horns"

At dawn on March 29, a rare solar eclipse will be visible, called the Devil's Horns because of its shape. The event will be best seen from Atlantic Canada, Quebec, and Maine, where the crescent of the Sun will rise and two separate solar "horns" will appear on the eastern horizon for a moment, experts say.

Lyrid meteor shower

On April 21-22, at midnight, you will be able to observe the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower. It will be less prolific than the Quadrantids, with only 10 to 20 flashes. However, this meteor shower produces spectacular fireballs caused by dust and debris left in the inner solar system by comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), scientists say.

Meteor shower of the Eta-Aquarids

On May 6-7, the peak of the Eta-Aquarid meteor shower caused by Halley's Comet is expected. At midnight, you will be able to see up to 60 meteor flashes per hour. The Eta-Aquarids are best viewed in the Southern Hemisphere. Only half of this number of meteors will be visible from the Northern Hemisphere.

A crescent moon visiting the Pleiades

On July 20, a waning moon can be seen in the sky, rising next to a scattered cluster of stars in the Pleiades. According to astronomers, Earth's natural satellite will move through these brilliant stars throughout the night, with a close conjunction.

Delta Aquarid meteor shower

On July 28-29, after dark, astronomers expect to see about 20 shooting stars per hour during the annual Delta Aquarid peak. This meteor shower is best observed after midnight from both hemispheres. However, while most meteor showers have a specific peak, this one lasts from late July to early August, experts say.

Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter

On August 12, 2025, the Perseid meteor shower, the most famous meteor shower of the year, is expected to peak. However, this year it will be overshadowed by strong moonlight. As a cosmic compensation, astronomy enthusiasts will see a beautiful conjunction of the two brightest planets in the solar system - Venus and Jupiter. An hour before sunrise, they will merge into one, scientists say.

The second partial solar eclipse

On September 21, the second partial solar eclipse of 2025 will take place. The best place to watch it is from New Zealand, where 58% to 73% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon. However, 80% of the partial eclipse will be visible from the Southern Ocean, midway between New Zealand and a remote part of Antarctica.

Saturn in opposition

On September 21, Saturn will be at its brightest when the Earth passes between the ringed planet and the Sun. According to astronomers, this is the best time to view Saturn through a small telescope. Every 13.5 years, the rings align with our line of sight to Saturn, so we see them sideways, the researchers say.

The Draconid meteor shower

On October 8-9, after sunset, the Draconid meteor shower will peak, caused by comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner. It will be possible to see about 10 meteor flashes per hour, experts say.

An impressive supermoon

There will be three supermoons in 2025 - October 7, November 5, and December 4. However, the November one will be the largest and brightest since 2019. It will be possible to catch it in the east. That's when it will shine in the sky in all its incredible splendor.

Leonid meteor shower

On November 17-18, the Leonid meteor shower will peak. According to astronomers, about 15 shooting stars per hour will be visible that night. These meteors are caused by the comet Tempel-Tuttle, which will next visit the inner part of the solar system in 2031.

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