03/01/2025
Space Events 2025 — All the must-see celestial events and how to watch
Some of the most spectacular shows end this month, so don't miss your chance to see them!
23 March – Saturn’s Rings "Disappear”
Saturn’s rings will appear to vanish on 23 March as Earth crosses their plane, a rare event happening once every 15 years. This edge-on alignment makes the thin rings nearly invisible from our perspective, just as Galileo observed in 1612.
29 March – Partial Solar Eclipse
A partial solar eclipse will be visible. It will be very good from the UK and Northern Europe, with up to 40% of the Sun obscured. It begins at 10:07 am GMT, peaks at 11:03 am, and ends at 12 pm. Watch it live via the Royal Observatory’s stream!
16–25 April – Lyrid Meteor Shower
The Lyrid meteor shower peaks on 22 April, with some meteors leaving bright dust trails. Viewing conditions will be ideal, as the Moon will be below the horizon for most of the peak. This ancient shower originates from debris left by Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. But you can catch it other nights as well. It will continue from April 16-25.
17 July–24 August – Perseid Meteor Shower
One of the year’s best meteor showers, the Perseids, peaks on 12 August, potentially producing up to 150 meteors per hour. While the full Moon will impact visibility, darker nights around 24 July or 23 August may offer better chances to spot them.
7 September – Total Lunar Eclipse
A total lunar eclipse will be visible, with maximum eclipse at 7:33 pm BST. The Moon will turn red as Earth’s atmosphere bends sunlight toward it. For the best view, find a high vantage point with a clear eastern horizon.
Planet Parade (February)
Six planets—Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—are still aligned in a rare planetary parade
