March 2025 promises to be packed with significant events, including noteworthy public holidays, astronomical phenomena, and the scheduled pension payments from the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). These developments are set to engage both the public and the astronomical community.
First and foremost, the official public holidays observed during March 2025 include two separate events: on the 3rd and 4th, Carnival celebrations will take place, which are categorized as non-removable public holidays. Following this, the 24th marks the Día Nacional de la Memoria por la Verdad y la Justicia, another significant day of remembrance.
Employees are reminded of their rights concerning these holidays. According to the Ley Federal del Trabajo (Federal Labor Law), employees are entitled to mandatory rest days, with full pay on public holidays. Employers must respect these days, or they risk legal consequences. For example, workers at various establishments will be guaranteed rest on Carnival days, making it imperative for employers to comply with these regulations.
Equally important, on March 3, the IMSS will issue payments to pensioners for the month of March. This payment is noteworthy as it is the third of twelve scheduled pension distributions for the year. Pensioners can expect this payment on the same day, which coincides with Carnival festivities, providing extra financial aid during the celebratory period.
The first payment of the year was made on January 2, followed by another on either January 31 or February 4, accounting for the holiday bridge for the Mexican Constitution. Following the March payment, future deposits are scheduled throughout the year, maintaining regularity for those reliant on these funds.
Turning to the celestial, March will also be highlighted by exciting astronomical events. The month opens with various visible occurrences involving the Moon. Between March 1 and 7, viewers can enjoy the Moon's impressive proximity to significant celestial bodies. Notably, on March 1, the Moon will pass 2° north of Neptune and will hide Mercury, presenting a unique viewing opportunity for those interested.
Mercury's perihelion occurs on March 4, bringing it closest to the Sun; shortly after, on March 8, it will reach maximum elongation. The best chance for sky watchers to catch this elusive planet will occur soon after sunset, when it should be visible just above the horizon.
The month’s highlight is undoubtedly the total lunar eclipse scheduled for March 14, coinciding with the full moon. This arresting natural phenomenon will cause the Moon to take on reddish hues as it passes through the Earth’s shadow, enchanting those across various parts of the globe.
From March 25 to March 28, observers will also witness the Gamma Normids meteor shower, expected to peak around the same day as the lunar eclipse, offering double the reason to look up at the night sky!
March 20 marks the arrival of spring, celebrated by the equinox when day and night are of equal length. Also occurring on this date is the closest approach of the Moon to the star Antares, providing ample opportunity for amateur astronomers to expand their night sky photography collections.
Lastly, the month will wrap up with both a partial solar eclipse and new moon on March 29 and 30, creating optimal conditions for stargazing as our satellite approaches perigee once again, bringing it closer to Earth.
The celestial calendar, intertwined with the public calendar, paints March 2025 as not only exciting for workers entitled to days off but also for those who wish to engage with the natural wonders above. Observers can experience beauty and enlightenment through both the astronomical and public observances.
This month presents fantastic opportunities for the public to engage with cultural, financial, and celestial milestones—making it clear why March is destined to be memorable.