NARIT Reveals 10 Must-See Astronomical Events in 2025
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, NARIT, has come forth with an exciting list of 10 celestial events to unfold in 2025. Whether you are an avid astronomy enthusiast or a casual skywatcher, these phenomena will give you unique opportunities to witness some of the awe-inspiring beauty of our universe. From planetary alignments to lunar eclipses, 2025 promises to be a year full of captivating celestial occurrences.
According to NARIT’s official statement, “2025 promises a spectacular year for skywatchers. These events showcase the beauty and dynamism of our celestial neighborhood and offer unforgettable viewing experiences.” Here‘s a look at the top 10 astronomical events to mark on your calendar for 2025:
1. Mars at Opposition – January 12
On January 12, Mars will be at its closest approach to Earth, about 96 million kilometers away. It will be the perfect time to view the Red Planet, as it will be visible all night long, especially on January 16 when Mars will be in opposition to the sun.
2. Venus at Maximum Brightness – February 16 and April 24
Venus is sometimes called the “Evening Star” or “Morning Star.” It reaches its peak brilliance twice in 2025. The first peak happens on February 16 in the western sky after sunset, and the second peak on April 24 in the eastern sky before sunrise. Both these times will give great views of Venus.
3. Saturn’s Ring Disappearance – March 23-24
To provide a rare treat for the viewer, Saturn, the ring planet, will actually appear without rings from Earth from March 23-24. This is possible every 15 years, offering a unique occasion to see how a gas giant looks without those famous rings.
4. Saturn at Opposition – September 21
On September 21, Saturn will be at opposition. From Earth, this planet will appear directly opposite the sun, which will make it an ideal time to look at the planet. Saturn will also be at its closest distance from Earth at around 1.279 billion kilometers.
5. Total Lunar Eclipse – September 7-8
The showstopper of 2025 for most will be the total lunar eclipse on the night of September 7-8, visible across Thailand. The total eclipse will last for 1 hour and 22 minutes, during which the moon will take on a striking reddish hue, a phenomenon known as a “Blood Moon.”
6. Supermoon and Micromoon – April 13 and November 5
In 2025, sky gazers will witness two different lunar events. On April 13, the moon will be a Micromoon, appearing slightly smaller than normal, and on November 5, the moon will be at its closest to Earth, creating a Supermoon that will be noticeably larger and brighter.
7. Geminid Meteor Shower – December 14-15
The Geminid meteor shower is one of the most reliable and spectacular annual meteor showers and is expected to peak during the night of December 14-15. This spectacle promises to be a night to remember with up to 150 meteors visible per hour.
8. Lunar and Planetary Conjunctions Throughout 2025
Throughout the year there will be interesting planetary and lunar conjunctions across the sky. Some to notice are moon conjugations with Saturn, Venus, Mercury, and Mars. In the month of May, the configuration of “the smiling moon” with stars Pollux and Castor will make one smile.
9. Sun will be overhead or vertical on: 27th of April and August 16.
There will be two critical times in 2025 when the sun passes directly overhead for Thailand. The first time will be from April to May, south to north, and the second from July to September, north to south. Bangkok will see this solar event on April 27 and August 16, respectively.
10. Astronomical Seasons
2025 will also feature the traditional astronomical seasons:
- Vernal Equinox (March 20): Day and night are of equal length.
- Summer Solstice (June 21): The longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Autumnal Equinox (September 23): Another moment of equal day and night lengths.
- Winter Solstice (December 21): The shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Conclusion
NARIT‘s list of celestial events for 2025 is full of exciting stuff to watch for the stargazer and astronomy lover. It will be possible to witness a lunar eclipse, observe planetary oppositions, or simply enjoy the beauty of a Supermoon. All these phenomena will provide excellent opportunities to connect with the wonders of the universe. Stay informed through NARIT‘s official channels and prepare for a year full of spectacular astronomical moments.
Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/life/art-culture/40044807
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