Celestial Wonders Await: Unmissable Astronomy Highlights in Silicon Valley for 2025

The previous year showcased an array of astronomical wonders in Bay Area skies, including a partial solar eclipse and a unique local sighting of the northern lights. What can we anticipate from 2025? We engaged with Foothill College astronomy educator Geoff Mathews to discuss the most significant events on the astronomical calendar, the potential for additional aurora borealis sightings on the Peninsula, and prime stargazing methods. This conversation has been condensed for succinctness and comprehension.

The Six Fifty: What are some of the more uncommon or breathtaking astronomical occurrences that are scheduled for this year that will be visible from the Peninsula?

Geoff Mathews: I usually categorize events as visible phenomena during a stroll or those that necessitate a telescope view. Regarding observable events during a walk, the top celestial objects aren’t stars but rather the planets. So, if you’re out frequently observing the night sky, you’ll witness these wandering celestial bodies across the sky night after night.

At present, Venus shines exceptionally bright, so if you take an evening stroll right after sunset, the most luminous object in the western sky will be Venus. Saturn is presently located quite close to it in the night sky, making it easy to spot Venus as twilight falls, followed by Saturn as darkness sets in. Using a telescope, both planets are magnificent to examine. Saturn is well-known for its rings, and as it progresses along its orbit, we will be seeing Saturn edge-on, presenting its rings in a notably thin appearance.

Additionally, keep an eye out for Mercury, which is quite elusive. It is dim and often remains closely associated with the sun in the sky when it is visible. However, in late February, it will be situated near Saturn. Therefore, if you’re looking for a chance to observe Mercury with the naked eye, aim for February 25 to March 1, as that will be an ideal opportunity. Both Saturn and Mercury will be positioned close to the western horizon during twilight, about 45 to 50 minutes after sunset, allowing you to spot them in the sky.

Exciting celestial events are on the horizon this year. On January 13, the moon will pass in front of Mars from our viewpoint. At approximately 5:55 p.m. on the 13th, we will observe a small red dot, Mars, disappear behind the moon, remaining hidden until roughly 6:45 p.m. This is an interesting occurrence to keep an eye on.

On March 13, the Peninsula will host a full lunar eclipse visible to the area. It will start becoming noticeable a little after 9 p.m., with 9:30 p.m. being when the moon’s movement into Earth’s shadow will be clearly visible. The moon will be completely darkened by approximately 10:30 p.m., and around 11:30 p.m., it will reach the deepest section of Earth’s shadow.

At that moment, the moon will appear to take on a deep red hue, as the Earth’s thin atmosphere allows some light to filter through, scattering that light. Consequently, the red light from every sunrise and sunset on Earth at that time will be directed towards the moon, illuminating it until about 12:30 a.m.

While observing the phases of Venus requires a telescope, and viewing Saturn’s rings also necessitates one, witnessing these movements in the sky—like the moon obscuring Mars or watching the lunar eclipse—does not require any special equipment, just the right timing.

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The Six Fifty: The Quadrantids meteor shower has just reached its peak – when will the other meteor showers be observable?

Geoff Mathews: There are meteor showers that take place during the entire year indeed. Some tend to be more spectacular than others, but it’s merely a trend. When we witness a meteor shower, we are essentially observing particles from comets incinerating in our atmosphere. We are traversing through the remnants left by comets.

Currently, we are experiencing the Quadrantids, followed by the Lyrids in April, Eta Aquariids, the Draconids in October, the Leonids in November, and then the Geminids. Each of these showers increases the frequency of meteors visible to the naked eye.

To truly relish these events, one should seek a serene, dark location where they can lie on a blanket, gazing up at the cosmos while sipping a warm cup of tea over the hours. Even during the most impressive meteor showers, it’s reasonable to expect only an occasional sighting every few minutes. Therefore, patience and some snacks are key to fully enjoying any of them.

The Six Fifty: In 2024, the northern lights were seen locally in May and October. What is the forecast for the Bay Area in 2025?

Geoff Mathews: While there is no certainty of these occurrences, the likelihood of them happening is elevated. During solar maximum, every day Earth metaphorically rolls a die to determine if we’re going to receive an aurora here. At solar maximum, that die is somewhat weighted, increasing the probabilities a bit.

2025 is anticipated to be the zenith of this cycle; 2024 has been the increasing phase, followed by 2025 and lastly a decline into 2026 and 2027. There is significant fluctuation. Some cycles have decreased sharply, while others maintained stability for a duration. Our grasp of the sun’s internal processes that results in this fluctuation remains a work in progress.

The Six Fifty: Which locations on the Peninsula are top choices for observing the stars?

Geoff Mathews: For phenomena like the northern lights, it is essential to have the clearest possible view towards the north. Numerous parks exist where a secluded space can be found. While park regulations on access hours may differ, the primary advice is to move as far away from urban lights as feasible: That is the quintessential rule of astronomy.

Regarding my personal favorites, I prefer my nearby park due to its convenience, and it is generally an adequate spot. However, if I truly intend to observe a meteor shower, I’ll drive longer to reach a location with a superb perspective and minimal obstruction of the horizon. It’s worth noting that sometimes, obstructions can also assist in reducing light pollution, creating a wishy-washy balance.

The pathways along the San Francisco Bay would present a commendable vantage point. The effort required to reach decent conditions might take around 15 minutes, whereas a drive lasting an hour and a half would be needed to fully escape the city. That’s the sort of distinction you should consider.

The Six Fifty: What guidance would you provide to beginner stargazers?

Geoff Mathews: In modern times, we have access to exceptional resources that aid in discovering and recognizing celestial objects visible in the sky. Various applications are available to help identify the stars and constellations, alongside numerous websites like Stellarium where
“`you can get ready for the evening. You can select “Alright, here’s a constellation I believe I’ll identify, here’s another constellation I believe I’ll identify, so I’m searching for the element that exists in between.” A bit of preliminary planning, “Alright, what will I be looking for?” can be very beneficial.

I would always suggest a good sky guide featuring maps of the constellations to assist you in maneuvering through the sky. With all of these resources, whether employing a book or your mobile device, one aspect to consider is the dark adaptation of your eyesight.

A red flashlight assists with that. Your eyes need a bit of time to adjust to the darkness, and blue light can disrupt that, essentially resetting your vision to square one. However, red light does not create as much disruption to your night vision. Some smartphones offer a feature that allows you to switch to night mode, which displays content in shades of red to avoid disturbing your night vision.

Foothill College’s observatory, collaborating with the Peninsula Astronomical Society, welcomes the public for complimentary observations of the night sky every Friday from 9-11 p.m. and solar observations every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, depending on weather conditions. The observatory also hosts special events throughout the year. Programs are available free of charge for visitors of all ages. For further details, please visit their website foothill.edu/astronomy/observatory or the observatory, located next to parking lot 4 and the Krause Center for Innovation (Building 4000), 4100 Perimeter Road, Los Altos Hills.

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