Moon gazers and eclipse-chasers have been waiting a long time since March 2025. The highlight this month has to be the first total lunar eclipse since 2022 — observable across North America — but not far behind it is a partial solar eclipse, the deepest and arguably most impressive in North America since 2021.
Add a few tempting conjunctions between the moon and the planets and a promising forecast for the northern lights, and March 2025 has plenty of tempting celestial sights both day and night.
Stargazing tip of the month? March’s darkest evenings will come between March 22 and March 31, when the moon will be out of the sky as it wanes to and waxes from the new moon on March 29. Here’s everything else you need to know about observing the night sky this month:
1. Crescent Moon And Venus
When: just after sunset on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Where: western sky.
As twilight fades in the western sky, look for the brilliant planet Venus shining at magnitude -4.8 near a delicate waxing crescent moon. On March 1, the moon will be just 6%-lit and positioned close to Venus near the horizon. If you struggle to find it, come back 24 hours later, when it will have grown to 12% illumination and be higher in the sky.
2. Northern Lights
When: after sunset, a few weeks either side of Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Where: northern night sky.
March 2025 may be one of the best months for spotting the northern lights. Not only because our star is close to “solar maximum” — the peak of its 11-year solar cycle — but because the vernal equinox on March 20 puts Earth’s axis perpendicular to the solar wind, which can trigger an uptick in aurora activity. Those in northern U.S. states, Canada, and regions near the Arctic Circle will have the best chances.
3. A Big Moon And A Bright Mars
When: after sunset on Saturday, March 8, 2025.
Where: the southern night sky.
In the early evening, look toward the southeast to see the gibbous moon passing close to Mars in the constellation Gemini. The 72-lit-waxing gibbous moon will appear about one degree away from the red planet, making for an eye-catching sight. Mars will shine with a reddish hue and should be easy to spot without any equipment.
4. A ‘Blood Moon’ Total Lunar Eclipse
When: Thursday, March 13 to Friday, March 14.
Where: high in the south-to-southwest night sky.
The skywatching highlight of the month has to be a total lunar eclipse, or “blood moon,” which will be visible overnight from North America on March 13-14. Beginning at 10:57 p.m. EST (03:57 UTC), the full moon will pass through Earth’s shadow, reaching totality around 2:26 a.m. EST (07:26 UTC). For 65 minutes, the moon will take on eerie shades of orange and red — a result of sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere.
5. A Deep Partial Solar Eclipse
When: sunrise on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
Where: eastern sky.
On March 29, a partial solar eclipse will be visible from northeastern North America, eastern Canada, and parts of Europe. In the U.S., those along the eastern coast will see a partially eclipsed sunrise. Check local times for the exact viewing period, but remember: never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection.
The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information, consult online planetariums like SkySafari Pro, Stellarium and The Sky Live. Check planet-rise/planet-set, sunrise/sunset, and moonrise/moonset times to see where you are.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
