Look up at the sky - the benefits of stargazing in 2025

Stargazing is a free, relaxing hobby accessible to everyone. All you need are your eyes and a dark location away from artificial lights. Even in urban areas, you can see over 100 stars on clear nights, while darker locations can reveal thousands.

How Stargazing Benefits Your Eyes

Regularly looking at stars can improve your eyesight by helping your eyes adjust and become better at spotting faint details. Prepare during the day by focusing on distant objects, then at night, allow about 40 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to darkness. Use this time to set up comfortably with warm clothing, snacks, and drinks.

Mental Health Benefits of Stargazing

Spending time under the stars can significantly benefit your mental health. Stargazing reduces stress, fosters mindfulness, and enhances your sense of wonder. Regularly viewing the night sky can also improve sleep by aligning your body’s natural rhythms. Make it a social activity by inviting friends or family to join you.

What to Look for in 2025

By regularly observing the night sky, you’ll notice celestial patterns, planet movements, and moon phases. Here are some notable astronomical events for 2025:

January

• 3–4 Jan: Quadrantid Meteor Shower (up to 120 meteors/hour).

• 13 Jan: Mars at opposition, shining brightly all night.

February

• 1–9 Feb: National Astronomy Week featuring moon and planet viewing.

• 28 Feb: Morning planetary alignment.

March

• 13–14 Mar: Total lunar eclipse (“Blood Moon”).

• 29 Mar: Partial solar eclipse visible from parts of the UK.

April

• 21–22 Apr: Lyrid Meteor Shower (up to 20 meteors/hour).

May

• 5–6 May: Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower (up to 50 meteors/hour).

July

• 29–30 Jul: Southern Delta Aquariid Meteor Shower (around 25 meteors/hour).

August

• 12–13 Aug: Perseid Meteor Shower peaks, bright but visibility affected by moonlight.

September

• 7–8 Sep: Total lunar eclipse.

October

• 7 Oct: Draconid Meteor Shower.

• 21–22 Oct: Orionid Meteor Shower (up to 20 meteors/hour).

November

• 5 Nov: Southern Taurid Meteor Shower peaks.

• 12 Nov: Northern Taurid Meteor Shower peaks.

• 17–18 Nov: Leonid Meteor Shower (up to 15 meteors/hour).

December

• 13–14 Dec: Geminid Meteor Shower (up to 160 meteors/hour).

• 21–22 Dec: Ursid Meteor Shower (around 10 meteors/hour).

Check local conditions for best viewing opportunities and enjoy your year under the stars!