January begins with a stunning meteor shower — the last until April — and the moon occulting the Pleiades, a half-lit Venus, and, most remarkably, a total eclipse of a bright Mars by the moon.
Here’s everything you need to know about stargazing, moon-watching and the night sky in January 2025: 1.
The Quadrantids are also known for their bright fireball meteors, which can appear anywhere in the night sky.
The Moon Occults Mars When: a few hours after sunset on Monday, Jan. 13-Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 Where: southern sky Here comes one of the highlights of 2025 — the bright planet Mars was eclipsed for a few hours by a near-full “Wolf Moon.”
The planet will look at its very best this week and next but remain visible in the night sky until the end of November.
Skywatchers have a lot to look forward to in 2025 (try the largest supermoon in years), but why not start with some of the best astronomical sights of the year?
A spectacular meteor shower, the last until April, the moon occulting the Pleiades, a half-lit Venus, and—most astonishingly—a complete lunar eclipse of a bright Mars greet January.
Here is all the information you require regarding January 2025 night sky viewing, moonwatching, and stargazing.
1. . A Meteor Shower That Was Forgotten.
When: Friday, Jan., right after sunset. 3, 2025. .
In the sky.
At their strongest, the Quadrantids can produce roughly 120 “shooting stars” per hour, but they are not a well-known meteor shower. On Jan, that occurs. 3. Another notable feature of the Quadrantids is their dazzling fireball meteors, which can be seen anywhere in the night sky. This year’s show should be good, but the peak will continue as darkness descends in North America, so start watching as soon as it gets dark. There should be minimal interference from a crescent moon.
2. The Moon Passes Through the “Seven Sisters.”.
When: Thursday, January, one hour after sunset. 9. 2025.
East is the location.
One of the most breathtaking sights in the night sky is the Pleiades. The ecliptic, or the sun’s path through the daytime sky, is near this open cluster of seven bright stars, also referred to as the “Seven Sisters.” This is roughly where the moon is located as well. Thus, the moon sometimes obscures (occults) the Pleiades. To see a waxing gibbous moon with an 81 percent illumination moving across the Pleiades over three or four hours, look high above east when it gets dark. Make use of binoculars.
3. . Venus, half-lit.
When: Saturday, January 30, 30 minutes after sunset. 11, 2025.
In the southwest.
There are only two phases on planets. If you’ve ever wanted to see Venus half-lit, with a moon-like appearance, mount a small telescope on it tonight after sunset. Because it is an inner planet in relation to Earth, it is in a brief dichotomy, or its half-lit phase, and from our perspective, it never appears “full” because it never receives the full glare of the sun. Its phases are only visible to those with telescopes because it is so close and bright.
4. . Mars is obscured by the moon.
When: Monday, January, a few hours after sunset. January 13, Tuesday. 14. 2025.
Where: sky in the south.
Here’s one of the highlights of 2025: a nearly full “Wolf Moon” briefly eclipsed the bright planet Mars. The action will start at 8:44 p.m. m. Monday, January, EST. 13 and 00:52 a.m. A. Monday, January 2, EST. 14. However, precise timings will vary depending on your observational location. For further information, see In-the-sky . org, along with its helpful map and timings.
5. . A “Wolf Moon” is full.
When: Tuesday, January, at dusk, where you are, the moon rises. 14, 2025. .
East is the location.
January’s full moon, also known as the “Wolf Moon,” rises the day after a major astronomical event (see above). To witness the eastern horizon appear shortly after the western sun sets, find a spot with a clear view of it.
6. . The largest, brightest, and most ideal Mars.
When: Wednesday, Jan., after sunset. 15, 2025.
Location: east.
Through a telescope or with the unaided eye, Mars is a breathtaking sight during its once-every-26-month opposition. In its prime, the distinctly red planet will rise in the east at dusk and set in the west at dawn. Although the planet will be at its best this week and the following, it will still be visible in the night sky through the end of November.
Seven. Venus is in conjunction with Saturn.
When: Saturday, January, shortly after sunset. 18, 2025.
To the west.
It’s a lovely sight to see two planets appear to be near to one another in the night sky, but those who are interested should observe this phenomenon over a few weeks as Venus and Saturn get closer each night before the big night and then move apart. It’s a handy sight to see low in the western sky after sunset.
For mid-northern latitudes, the times and dates listed are applicable. Consult online planetariums such as Stellarium for the most precise location-specific information.
May the skies be clear and your eyes be wide.
