10 Night Sky Events Not To Be Missed in 2025
From a partial solar eclipse to eye-catching planetary alignments and disappearing rings of Saturn, 2025 will be a year filled with celestial wonders that no stargazer should miss. As Aurora and night sky specialists in Iceland, we invite you to look up and experience the magic of the cosmos.
We’re currently in a solar maximum phase, which means increased solar activity and more opportunities to see stunning auroras even in places farther south than usual. But that’s not all. Here are nine night sky events to mark on your calendar for 2025.
by Katarina Raker & Grétar Jónsson
1. January 18: Saturn and Venus Conjunction
Kick off the year with a stunning planetary pairing. On January 18, look southwest about 30 to 45 minutes after sunset, and you’ll see Venus and Saturn appearing less than half a degree apart in the sky.
Venus, the brighter of the two, will shine a brilliant white, while Saturn will appear slightly dimmer and golden. Both planets will be visible to the naked eye, but for a more detailed view, use binoculars or a small telescope to see Saturn’s iconic rings.
Our tip: Head to a location with a clear view of the southwestern horizon, and don’t forget to bring your camera to capture this beautiful cosmic dance.
2. March 14: Total Lunar Eclipse and Blood Moon
Prepare to see the moon blush red during a total lunar eclipse on March 14. The “blood moon” effect happens when the Earth’s shadow blankets the moon, refracting sunlight through our atmosphere and casting a fiery glow on the lunar surface.
The eclipse will be visible across the Americas, weather permitting. The total phase will last from 2:26 a.m. to 3:31 a.m. EST, with the moon appearing in shades of pumpkin orange to coppery red.
Our tip: Find a dark spot away from city lights with a clear view of the eastern sky to enjoy the full beauty of this rare event.
3. March 20: Spring Equinox
The March equinox occurs on March 20 at 08:58 UTC. On this day, the Sun shines directly on the equator, resulting in nearly equal amounts of day and night across the world.
In the Northern Hemisphere, this marks the first day of spring (vernal equinox), while in the Southern Hemisphere, it signals the first day of fall (autumnal equinox). But what makes this date even more special for us as Aurora enthusiasts is that the days around the equinox are some of the best times to see the Northern Lights.
Why? The interaction between Earth’s magnetic field and solar winds tends to be stronger during the equinoxes, leading to increased auroral activity.
Our tip: Plan a Northern Lights outing during the equinox period and watch the sky come alive with dancing lights.
4. March 29: Partial Solar Eclipse
On March 29, stargazers across North America, Europe, northern Asia, and northwest Africa will witness a partial solar eclipse. Unlike a total solar eclipse, this one will show the sun as a crescent as the moon partially covers it.
The event starts at 4:50 a.m. EST and reaches its peak at 6:47 a.m. EST. In Canada’s Atlantic provinces and northern Quebec, the eclipse will block up to 92% of the sun’s disk.
Our tip: Always use solar viewing glasses or a pinhole projector to observe safely—never look directly at the sun.
5. June 26: Moon and Mercury Meet-Up
On June 26, catch a rare sighting of Mercury, the closest planet to the sun. Mercury is notoriously tricky to spot due to its proximity to the sun, but on this night, it will appear next to the slender crescent moon.
Look low in the western sky about 20 to 30 minutes after sunset. Mercury will shine as a faint point of light, just three degrees beside the moon.
Our tip: Find a spot with a clear view of the western horizon, and use binoculars to enhance your view if Mercury proves elusive.
6. August 12: Venus and Jupiter’s Close Encounter
On August 12. Venus and Jupiter, the two brightest planets, will appear stunningly close together in a rare planetary conjunction.
Look high in the eastern sky at dawn, and you’ll see both planets close enough to fit together in binoculars. Venus will shine a brilliant white, while Jupiter will appear slightly dimmer and golden.
Our tip: With a small telescope, you can even see Jupiter’s banded atmosphere and its four largest moons.
7. August 12, 13: Perseids Meteor Shower
The Perseids Meteor Shower is one of the most popular and reliable meteor showers of the year, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. It’s caused by comet Swift-Tuttle, discovered in 1862, and is famous for producing bright, fast-moving meteors.
The shower runs annually from July 17 to August 24, but it will peak on the night of August 12 and into the early morning of August 13. This year, the waning gibbous moon will block out some of the dimmer meteors, but patience will pay off as you should still be able to catch bright streaks of light.
The best time to watch is after midnight from a dark location away from light pollution. The meteors will radiate from the constellation Perseus, but they can appear anywhere in the sky.
Our tip: Bring a blanket and thermos of hot drinks, lie back, and enjoy one of nature’s most spectacular shows under the starry Icelandic skies.
8. September 7: Total Lunar Eclipse and Blood Moon
For the second time in 2025, stargazers will get to witness a total lunar eclipse on September 7. This one will be visible across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
The total phase will run from 1:30 p.m. to 2:52 p.m. EDT, and during this time, the moon will appear bathed in eerie orange-red hues as Earth’s shadow envelops it.
Our tip: Watch this event from a spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon as the moon rises.
9. September 19: Moon, Venus, and Regulus in Celestial Group Hug
On September 19, look east about 45 minutes before sunrise to see a beautiful celestial trio. The crescent moon, Venus, and the bright star Regulus will form a striking triangle in the sky.
Venus, the second-brightest object in the night sky after the moon, will shine brilliantly, while Regulus, part of the Leo constellation, will appear in a regal blue-white hue.
Our tip: Bring binoculars to fully appreciate the color contrast between Venus and Regulus.
September 22: September Equinox
The September equinox occurs on September 22 at 18:17 UTC. On this day, the Sun shines directly on the equator, resulting in nearly equal amounts of day and night across the world.
In the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the first day of fall (autumnal equinox), while in the Southern Hemisphere, it signals the first day of spring (vernal equinox).
Like the March equinox, this is one of the best times to see the Northern Lights due to the stronger interaction between Earth’s magnetic field and solar winds.
Our tip: Plan a Northern Lights outing during the equinox period to maximize your chances of seeing vibrant auroral displays.
December 13 to 14: Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks
The Geminid meteor shower is one of the year’s best and will peak on December 13 to 14. This year’s show promises to be particularly spectacular because it coincides with a dark, moonless sky, making it easier to spot up to 120 meteors per hour.
To get the best view, find a dark location away from light pollution. Even from a suburban backyard, dozens of bright shooting stars should be visible each hour under clear skies.
Our tip: Dress warmly, bring a blanket and thermos, and lay back to enjoy the show of shooting stars in comfort.
Why 2025 Is a Special Year for Stargazers
Join us, Katarina Raker and Grétar Jónsson from AURORA REYKJAVÍK, as we continue to explore and share the wonders of the night sky from Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes. Stay curious, and remember to keep looking up!
Coming to Iceland in 2025? Join us on a Northern Lights Tour!
Grétar Jónsson
Photographer, Founder of AURORA REYKJAVÍK
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