The year 2025 is shaping up to be spectacular for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts, particularly those residing in Brazil. The calendar is brimming with astronomical events, including supermoons, total lunar eclipses, planetary conjunctions, and enticing meteor showers, all of which promise to delight observers without the need for specialized equipment.
To keep track of these celestial happenings, the Observatório do Valongo at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) has issued its Astronomical Ephemeris Calendar for 2025. This guide includes detailed sky maps, moon phases, and information about various projects and research pertaining to astronomy.
Starting off the year, January will see the Quadrantid meteor shower reaching its peak on January 3 and 4. Though the shower is primarily visible from the Northern Hemisphere, those located more northward within Brazil may still catch glimpses of this dazzling display. January will also feature the approach of the comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS), which will reach its closest point to the sun on January 13, becoming observable with binoculars.
Significantly, January 15 marks the opposition of Mars, when it will be particularly bright as the Earth sits directly between the sun and the Red Planet. Enthusiasts can look forward to spotting Mars against the backdrop of the constellations Gemini and Cancer. The month will be rich with celestial conjunctions, where multiple bodies appear closely positioned together from our perspective.
Moving forward to March, the highlight will undoubtedly be the total lunar eclipse occurring on the nights of March 13 and 14, known as the "Blood Moon" due to the reddish hue the moon adopts as it passes through the Earth’s shadow. Experts from the Observatório Nacional, such as Josina Nascimento, affirm this will be fully visible across Brazil, allowing for all phases of the eclipse to be enjoyed by the public.
April will bring more excitement with notable conjunctions of celestial bodies on April 25, as the moon aligns with Venus, Mercury, and Saturn, creating beautiful early-morning views.
Mid-year will see several supermoons, with three occurrences highlighted: the "Hunter's Moon" on October 7, the "Beaver Moon" on November 5, and the "Cold Moon" on December 4. During these events, the moon will appear significantly larger and brighter, with the November full moon being the most prominent of the year as it reaches perigee, its closest point to the Earth.
Both April and May will see peaks of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower on May 5, with promises of up to 40 meteors visible per hour under optimal conditions. The activity of the Lyrids meteor shower will also offer stargazers glimpses of shooting stars between April 16 and 25, reaching its peak on April 22.
Another significant lunar occurrence is another total lunar eclipse slated for September 7, which, though not visible from Brazil, will demonstrate the perfect alignment as the moon enters the shadow of the Earth. Following this, two solar eclipses are expected to occur (one on March 29 and another on September 21), but neither of which will grace the Brazilian skies.
For those hoping to catch the famed Orionids meteor shower, October 2 marks the start, culminating with significant viewing opportunities extending until November 7, reaching peak activity on October 22. The Draconids and Leonids will also add to the firework of falling stars, providing numerous chances for onlookers.
Preparations for viewing these events are key, according to experts. They stress the importance of finding dark spots free from light pollution and checking weather conditions for maximum visibility. Staying updated via the Observatório Nacional's live transmissions on YouTube can also expand access for those unable to observe these phenomena firsthand.
With the continued rise of interest in astronomy, 2025 encourages all to look up and enjoy what the universe has to offer. Regardless of experience level, there are abundant opportunities to observe remarkable celestial activities all year long, making it a tambourine year for both amateurs and seasoned astronomers alike.
This celestial calendar not only promises visually stunning spectacles but also aims to educate and engage the public with astronomy, reigniting interest and appreciation for the wonders of our universe.