Rare Astronomical Phenomena to Watch in 2025

The year 2025 is set to offer some remarkable celestial events, promising awe-inspiring spectacles for skywatchers around the world. Astronomical scientists report that two solar eclipses will occur in 2025. However, these won't be as dramatic as the total solar eclipse witnessed last year in April, when parts of the world experienced a temporary darkening of the day. First Eclipse (March 29, 2025)**: A partial solar eclipse will be visible across Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. - **Second Eclipse (September 21, 2025)**: Another partial eclipse will be visible in regions of Australia, Antarctica, and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.For a total solar eclipse, you'll have to wait until August 12, 2026, when one will be visible in parts of Russia, Greenland, Spain, and Portugal, lasting a maximum of 2 minutes and 18 seconds.Alignment of Six Planets In January, skywatchers will witness a rare alignment of six planets. These planets will form a semi-arc that will be visible for approximately four weeks starting January 21. However, clear skies are essential for the best viewing.By February, **Mercury** will join the lineup, completing the planetary arc.According to Bruce Betts, the head of the **Planetary Society**, people should take advantage of this rare sight, as such events typically require a telescope. #### Lunar Eclipse On **March 14, 2025**, there will be a **total lunar eclipse**, lasting over an hour. It will be visible in North and South America, Europe, Serbia, and parts of North-Western Asia. #### Super Moon In the last three months of the year — October, November, and December — skywatchers will have the opportunity to witness **three supermoons**. These moons will appear larger and brighter than usual because the moon’s orbit around Earth is slightly elliptical, bringing it closer to Earth at certain points. #### Aurora Borealis and Australis Residents near the North and South Poles will get a chance to see the mesmerizing northern and southern lights during the night. Many people travel from afar to witness this magical display. The auroras are caused by solar storms that release large quantities of electrical particles, which affect the Earth's magnetic waves, exciting nitrogen and oxygen atoms in the atmosphere and causing them to emit light in different colors. Experts say that because the Sun is in its **11-year solar cycle**, this year will see an increased solar particle outflow, offering spectacular displays of the auroras.

#### Meteor Showers During dark nights, you've likely seen meteors streaking across the sky, leaving a bright trail before disappearing. These meteors, or **shooting stars**, are small rocks burning up in Earth's atmosphere. This year, meteor showers are expected to peak in **August and December**. When the Earth passes through regions with dense meteor fields, you can expect to witness these brilliant streaks across the sky if the night is dark and the sky is clear. Skywatchers are in for an extraordinary year, with numerous celestial events to marvel at.