Fifty years ago, on July 17, 1975, the first international handshake in space took place. As the American Apollo spacecraft docked with the Soviet Soyuz in orbit, astronauts and cosmonauts — once fierce rivals in the space race — met with an open hand. Learn about this historic mission and enjoy fun facts, like the surprise stowaway on Apollo and how the crews found a clever way to overcome their language barrier. Let’s get started!

What Is the Apollo-Soyuz Mission?

Apollo-Soyuz was the first joint space mission between the United States and the Soviet Union, launched in July 1975. For the mission, the American side launched the Apollo spacecraft from the Kennedy Space Center, and the Soviet side launched the Soyuz spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The two spacecraft docked in orbit, 222 km above Earth.

The mission’s goal was to test the compatibility of docking systems and to explore the feasibility of international space rescue operations. It is also widely seen as a symbolic end to the space race. Officially named the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) in the United States and Experimental Flight “Soyuz-Apollo” in the Soviet Union, it was a historic step to future collaborations, including Shuttle-Mir and the International Space Station.

Backstory: From Space Race to Space Embrace

For nearly two decades before the Apollo-Soyuz mission, the United States and the Soviet Union were locked in a fierce space race. The Soviets claimed early victories with Sputnik in 1957 and Yuri Gagarin’s first manned space flight in 1961. The U.S. responded with the Project Mercury, Gemini, and ultimately the Apollo program, landing humans on the Moon by 1969.

But by the early 1970s, a period of détente emerged, and both superpowers recognized the value of collaboration. In 1972, during the Nixon–Brezhnev summit, the two nations signed an agreement for a joint mission. The result was the first Soviet-American flight, the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project.

Apollo-Soyuz Mission Preparation: Training & Challenges

From 1973 to 1975, the Apollo and Soyuz crews trained together at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center near Moscow. Outside of simulator runs and engineering meetings, the crews bonded over shared meals and light moments, such as a snowball fight in Star City and a Lebanese dance performance at the Texas Folklife Festival. These cultural exchanges weren’t just fun; they laid the groundwork for trust and teamwork.

One of the earliest struggles was a language barrier. Initially, each crew spoke their own language, which made it difficult for the other crew to understand. The creative solution was a switch: the Americans would speak Russian, and the Soviets would speak English. This reversed approach worked perfectly — no one used sophisticated words, and communication flowed more naturally.

On the technical side, two major issues needed to be solved. First, the Apollo probe-and-drogue docking system was incompatible with the cone-shaped Soyuz design, so engineers developed a universal docking module. Second, the spacecraft had different cabin atmospheres: Soyuz used an Earth-like nitrogen-oxygen mix, while Apollo operated on low-pressure pure oxygen. This posed a risk of decompression sickness during crew transfers, which was resolved through pressure equalization protocols and pre-breathing oxygen for Apollo astronauts.

Preparing for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project was also a diplomatic balancing act. Soviet engineers were nervous about revealing their classified technology, while in the U.S., the media and political critics questioned whether Soviet spacecraft were modern and safe enough to meet NASA standards. Fortunately, both sides found common ground. It wasn’t easy, but through patience, compromise, and a lot of joint problem-solving, the crews built the foundation for the mission. The handshake in space was preceded by months of handshakes in Houston and Moscow.

Apollo-Soyuz Flight Log

July 15: Two Launches, One Goal

The mission began with two launches: Soyuz 19 lifted off from Baikonur at 12:20 GMT (15:20 Moscow Time), followed by Apollo from Kennedy Space Center at 19:50 GMT (3:50 p.m. EDT).

Soon after reaching orbit, Apollo performed a tricky maneuver to retrieve the docking module. Commander Tom Stafford was briefly blinded by sunlight reflected off Earth but managed to align the spacecraft manually with record precision of 0.01 degrees.

Meanwhile, the Apollo crew spotted an unexpected passenger, a Florida mosquito. Sadly or not, it disappeared a few hours later.

July 16: The Chase

Apollo’s day began with the sounds of Chicago’s “Wake Up Sunshine,” while aboard Soyuz, the crew was already awake, trying to fix their black-and-white TV system. The repair attempt failed, frustrating NASA officials who had hoped to get views of Apollo from the Soviet side. Still, the mission remained on track. Throughout the night, Apollo continued closing in, gaining about 255 km per orbit.

July 17: Apollo-Soyuz Handshake

On July 17 at 16:09 GMT, Apollo and Soyuz completed their first docking, and moments later, Tom Stafford and Alexei Leonov shook hands in space — a gesture that some view as a symbolic end of the space race. Stafford and Slayton floated into Soyuz to meet and exchange gifts with Leonov and Kubasov, while Brand remained in Apollo to monitor systems.

The crews received congratulations from Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, followed by a call from the U.S. president Gerald Ford. The call was a bit unexpected, as it was only supposed to last five minutes, but ended up lasting nine. The president had a draft list of suggested questions, but no one expected he’d actually ask all of them or personally speak with every astronaut and cosmonaut aboard Soyuz. But that’s exactly what he did. The astronauts had to quickly pass around their helmets so each could respond in turn. Nevertheless, the call added warmth and humor to the day.

July 18: Joint Activity

On July 18, Apollo and Soyuz turned into a “Soviet-American TV center in space.” Kubasov led a tour of Soyuz, while Stafford gave a Russian-language tour of Apollo. The crews completed four transfers, taking turns aboard each spacecraft to carry out joint experiments, TV broadcasts, and symbolic activities.

When a Soviet reporter asked to demonstrate the essence of the joint mission, Leonov and Stafford simply held up their countries’ flags — although unintendedly backwards. Kubasov summed it up: “It would be wrong to ask which country’s more beautiful. It would be right to say there is nothing more beautiful than our blue planet.”

By the end of the day, everyone had spent meaningful time aboard each other’s spacecraft: Stafford (7h10), Brand (6h30), Slayton (1h35), Leonov (5h43), and Kubasov (4h57). It had been one of the busiest and most heartfelt days of the mission.

July 19: Second Docking, Scientific Experiments & Farewell

Apollo’s fifth day began a little late, as the crew slept through their planned wake-up song, “Tenderness” by Maya Kristalinskaya. But they were up 15 minutes later and ready to go. At 12:12 GMT, Apollo and Soyuz undocked after 44 hours connected. Apollo then moved between Soyuz and the Sun to create the first ever artificial solar eclipse, allowing the Soviet crew to photograph the Sun’s corona. A second docking followed, with Deke Slayton at the controls. Visibility was poor, but the docking was smooth despite a brief wobble. At 15:26 GMT, the spacecraft undocked again to perform the ultraviolet absorption experiment. Apollo flew around Soyuz in carefully planned paths to measure gases in the upper atmosphere. The task pushed fuel limits and required full crew coordination. Later that afternoon, Apollo fired its engines to move into a new orbit, ending the joint part of the mission.

July 20: Separate Ways

On July 20, Leonov and Kubasov started their day early, performing Earth and solar photography and a fungi experiment, while Apollo was finally awakened by “Tenderness.” The day was calm and science-focused, with both crews working on crystal growth, helium glow, ultraviolet surveys, and furnace tests. They also took a moment to reflect on the sixth anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing.

July 21: Soyuz Returns to Earth

On July 21, Soyuz began its descent, followed by smooth module separation and reentry. The capsule landed less than 11 km from its target near Baikonur Cosmodrome. This was the first time that both the launch and landing of a Soviet mission were broadcast on live television. As the capsule descended, Kubasov emerged first, slightly shaky but smiling, followed by Leonov. The confirmation came: “Soyuz has landed safely, and Alexey and Valeriy are outside and in good health.”

July 22–23: Apollo’s Solo Flight

Apollo stayed in orbit a few extra days to carry out 23 independent experiments, with a focus on tracking tectonic activity on Earth. The crew also held a live press conference from orbit, sharing insights on space travel and the mission’s challenges. With trademark humor, Deke Slayton quipped that he hadn’t done anything in space his 91-year-old aunt couldn’t have handled — quite a modest remark.

Afterward, the astronauts donned their suits, vented the docking module tunnel, and released the trash-filled module into space, where it drifted until burning up in Earth’s atmosphere weeks later.

July 24: Apollo’s Final Splashdown

On July 24, Apollo reentered Earth’s atmosphere and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean — the final flight of the entire Apollo program. However, trouble struck during descent: toxic nitrogen tetroxide fumes leaked into the cabin, causing the crew to cough and feel unwell. They quickly switched to oxygen masks and completed the landing safely.

Although all three astronauts recovered, they were hospitalized for two weeks. A rough ending, but it didn’t detract from the mission’s success.

Afterword: The Significance Of the Apollo-Soyuz Mission

The Apollo-Soyuz mission proved that space is not just a stage for competition — it can also be a bridge for cooperation. More than half a century later, this historic handshake in space offers us a timeless message — that peace, trust, and science share the same orbit.

Text Credit: Vito Technology, Inc.

From elusive Mercury and Venus in the Golden Gate to retrograde planets, the Full Buck Moon, and the Southern Delta Aquariids, July 2025 is full of stargazing treats. Want to make sure you don’t miss any of them? Download the free Sky Tonight app to learn what’s visible in your sky and get alerts for every major celestial event. It’s the easiest way to know when and where to look up. Now, let’s explore what the July sky has in store!

July 2025 Celestial Events Calendar: What’s Up in the Sky This Month

Note that the event dates are provided in GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), so the dates may vary for different time zones. To find out exactly when you can see the event from where you are, use the Sky Tonight app.

• July 2: First Quarter Moon;
• July 3: Lunar occultation of Spica (mag 1), Mercury (mag 0.4) near the Beehive Cluster (mag 3.7);
• July 4: Mercury (mag 0.4) at greatest elongation 🌟, Venus (mag -4.2) near Uranus (mag 5.8) and Pleiades (mag 1.2);
• July 5: Neptune (mag 7.9) retrograde starts;
• July 7: Lunar occultation of Antares (mag 1.0);
• July 10: Full Moon 🌟, peak of the July Pegasids (ZHR = 3);
• July 11: Lunar occultation of Pluto (mag 14.4);
• July 13: Venus (mag -4.1) near Aldebaran (mag 0.9), Pleiades (mag 1.2), Hyades (mag 0.5) 🌟;
• July 14: Saturn (mag 0.9) retrograde starts;
• July 16: Moon near Saturn (mag 0.9) and Neptune (mag 7.9);
• July 17: Mercury (mag 1.8) retrograde starts 🌟;
• July 18: Last Quarter Moon;
• July 20: Lunar occultation of the Pleiades (mag 1.2) 🌟, Moon near Uranus (mag 5.8);
• July 21: Moon near Venus (-4.0);
• July 23: Moon near Jupiter (mag -1.9);
• July 24: New Moon, Moon near Pollux (mag 1.2);
• July 25: Pluto (mag 14.4) at opposition, Moon near Mercury (mag 3.6) and the Beehive Cluster (mag 3.7);
• July 26: Moon near Regulus (mag 1.4);
• July 28: Lunar occultation of Mars (mag 1.6), peak of the July Gamma Draconids (ZHR = 5), peak of the Piscis Austrinids (ZHR = 5);
• July 31: Lunar occultation of Spica (mag 1), Mercury at inferior solar conjunction; peak of the Southern Delta Aquariids (ZHR = 25) 🌟, peak of the Alpha Capricornids (ZHR = 5).

*The highlighted events are the most interesting events of the month.

About magnitude: the faintest magnitude for stars and planets visible to the naked eye in cities with moderate light pollution is about 4. The limiting magnitude of an optical device depends on its specification but rarely exceeds 11.

Major July Astronomical Events: What to See in the Sky Week by Week

July 1–6: Mercury in the evening sky

This week, you have a chance to spot the elusive planet Mercury. It shines at a magnitude of 0.3 to 0.5, and can be seen just after sunset, low on the western-northwestern horizon in the constellation Cancer.

On July 3 at 05:08 GMT, Mercury passes near the Beehive Cluster, with a separation of just 1°14′. While both can be spotted with the naked eye, binoculars will reveal more stars in the cluster.

Mercury reaches its greatest elongation on July 4 at 03:59 GMT, meaning it’s at its farthest from the Sun in the sky — the best time to observe it! This particular apparition favors the Southern Hemisphere, where Mercury appears higher above the horizon.

Tiny and tricky to see, Mercury is full of surprises. Take the Mercury Quiz to test your knowledge of this elusive planet!

July 7–13: Full Moon and Venus in the Golden Gate of the Ecliptic

Look up for the Full Buck Moon on July 10! This name comes from Native American traditions, marking the time when young deer (bucks) grow new antlers. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Moon will appear unusually low, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it will shine high in the sky. It also appears near the Summer Triangle, a well-known asterism formed by Vega, Altair, and Deneb — a stunning sight around midnight local time!

On July 13, just before sunrise, Venus will pass close to Aldebaran and enter the so-called Golden Gate of the Ecliptic, formed by the Pleiades and Hyades star clusters in Taurus. Observe the scene with the naked eye or grab binoculars to explore this brilliant celestial meetup.

Learn more: July Full Moon, Venus Facts & Upcoming Events

July 14–20: Retrograde Planets and Lunar Occultation of Pleiades

Saturn begins retrograde motion on July 14, followed by Mercury on July 17. To spot the shift in a planet’s apparent motion, you’d need to observe it for at least a few weeks. Or, you can visualize it easily in the Sky Tonight app — just select Saturn or Mercury on the sky map, tap the photo icon, and switch the curve type in the menu.

On July 20 at 10:27 GMT, the 24%-illuminated Moon will pass close to the Pleiades, at a distance of 0°48′. Both objects will rise late in the night over the northeastern horizon.

A lunar occultation of the Pleiades will also be visible from Canada, western USA, Mexico, and other regions between longitudes 160°W and 100°W, from approximately 08:20 to 11:20 GMT. Binoculars will help you see it better.

Learn more: Retrograde Motion Explained, Pleiades

July 21–27: New Moon and Pluto at Opposition

The New Moon on July 24 brings the perfect nights for stargazing, with the moonless sky. Try spotting some of the best deep-sky objects of the month, such as the North America Nebula or Lagoon Nebula, both visible through binoculars.

July 25 is the best time to see Pluto. The dwarf planet will reach opposition, meaning it will remain visible all night and shine at its brightest. However, Pluto will still be quite dim, with a magnitude of 14.4. Look for it in the constellation Capricornus using a telescope.

Do you know why Pluto was removed from the list of planets? Are you familiar with other dwarf planets? Test your knowledge with the Dwarf Planet Quiz!

July 28–31: Southern Delta Aquariids and other shooting stars

On July 28, the July Gamma Draconids will reach their maximum, delivering about 5 meteors per hour at their peak. A possible activity outburst is expected in 2025, so keep an eye on this meteor shower — you might see even more meteors!

The faint Piscis Austrinid meteor shower will also occur on July 28, with up to 5 meteors per hour at its peak. It will radiate from the constellation Piscis Austrinus.

Following closely, on July 31, the Southern Delta Aquariids will offer a more impressive display with 25 meteors per hour, alongside the Alpha Capricornids, which will also peak at 5 meteors per hour.

Although most meteor showers peaking in July offer fewer meteors, the Southern Delta Aquariids promise a worthwhile view, particularly for observers in the Southern Hemisphere. Fortunately, this peak will take place during the waxing crescent Moon, so moonlight won’t obscure the view. The Moon will set in the evening, and the night sky will be perfectly dark.

Don’t miss a shooting star! Check out this infographic to find out when and how to see the best meteor showers of the year.

Moon phases in July 2025

• First Quarter: July 2, 19:30 GMT
• Full Moon: July 10, 20:37 GMT
• Last Quarter: July 18, 00:38 GMT
• New Moon: July 24, 19:11 GMT

To find out exactly when the Moon will be above the horizon at your location, check the Moon tab in the calendar feature of Sky Tonight, or visit the Moon phases section on our website. There, you will find the lunar phases for each day, with moonrise and moonset times for where you live and additional information.

Planets in July 2025

Planets visible in the Northern Hemisphere — July 2025

Mercury (Cancer): Reaches greatest elongation on July 4, but its visibility remains poor for mid-latitudes. It appears briefly in the northwestern evening sky, low above the horizon during twilight. On July 17, Mercury begins retrograde motion. The planet gradually dims from a magnitude of 0.3 to 5.3 by the end of the month.

Venus (Taurus, Gemini): Visible in the eastern morning sky, Venus climbs higher as July progresses. The Morning Star shines brightly against the twilight and appears as an oval shape in telescopes. Venus slightly dims from a magnitude of -4.2 to -4.0 by the end of the month.

Mars (Leo, Virgo): Mars is visible in the evening western sky, resembling a fairly bright reddish star. However, its visibility is gradually decreasing, as it dims and sets earlier each night. The planet’s brightness changes from a magnitude of 1.5 to 1.6 by July’s end.

Jupiter (Gemini): Appears low in the northeastern morning sky during the middle and end of July. It rises about an hour before sunrise and is visible to the naked eye. Jupiter shines brightly at a magnitude of -1.9.

Saturn (Pisces): Visible in the southeastern morning sky. Saturn begins its retrograde motion on July 14, while continuing to rise earlier each day, improving its visibility in the pre-dawn hours. The planet slightly brightens from a magnitude of 1.0 to 0.8 by the end of the month.

Uranus (Taurus): The visibility window for Uranus grows steadily during July. It appears in the eastern morning sky and requires binoculars or a telescope to view, with a magnitude of 5.8.

Neptune (Pisces): Visible in the southeastern morning sky. Neptune begins its retrograde motion on July 5, and its visibility improves significantly throughout the month. Use binoculars or a telescope to catch this planet, with a magnitude slightly changing from 7.9 to 7.8.

Planets visible in the Southern Hemisphere — July 2025

Mercury (Cancer): Visible low in the northwestern evening sky. Mercury reaches its greatest elongation on July 4, offering the best opportunity to observe the planet this month. It begins retrograde motion on July 17. The planet gradually dims from a magnitude of 0.3 to 5.3 by the end of the month.

Venus (Taurus, Gemini): Appears in the northeastern morning sky, gradually climbing higher as July progresses. In a telescope, Venus looks like an oval. The planet slightly dims from a magnitude of -4.2 to -4.0 by the end of the month.

Mars (Leo, Virgo): Seen high in the northwestern evening sky, Mars remains a bright reddish star-like object, though its visibility is slowly declining as it dims and sets earlier. The planet’s brightness changes from a magnitude of 1.5 to 1.6 by July’s end.

Jupiter (Gemini): Visible in the northeastern morning sky during the second half of the month. Although low and close to the twilight, it remains easily visible to the naked eye. It rises about an hour before sunrise and is visible to the naked eye. Jupiter shines bright at a magnitude of -1.9.

Saturn (Pisces): Visible at night and in the morning. Saturn begins its retrograde motion on July 14. The planet slightly brightens from a magnitude of 1.0 to 0.8 by the end of the month.

Uranus (Taurus): Rises earlier each morning and becomes easier to spot. Uranus appears low in the northeastern sky before dawn, requiring binoculars or a telescope to see at a magnitude of 5.8.

Neptune (Pisces): Visible in the northeastern morning sky. Neptune begins its retrograde motion on July 5, and its visibility improves rapidly throughout the month as it rises earlier each day. Use binoculars or a telescope to catch this planet, with a magnitude slightly changing from 7.9 to 7.8.

Constellations in July 2025

July skies are rich with bright constellations for observers in both hemispheres. Look for the zodiac constellations Sagittarius, Scorpius, Libra, and Virgo, along with Ophiuchus, the so-called “13th zodiac constellation.” In the Southern Hemisphere, Capricornus and Aquarius are also well-placed. The latter is especially worth watching in late July, as it hosts the radiant of the Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower, peaking on July 31.

In the Northern Hemisphere, constellations like Aquila, Cygnus, Lyra, Hercules, Corona Borealis, Bootes, and Coma Berenices are prominent high in the evening sky. Observers may also try spotting Corona Australis low on the southern horizon.

In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s an excellent time to observe Bootes, Corona Borealis, Hercules, Lyra, and Aquila in the northern sky, while Corona Australis and Piscis Australis are visible higher overhead.

Astronomy Calendar in Your Pocket: Learn What’s In The Sky Tonight

To find any celestial object, use an interactive sky map like the Sky Tonight mobile app. This particular app is free and has one of the largest constantly updated databases. Sky Tonight works offline, so you can even use it while camping or hiking. Basically, all you need to do is launch the app and point your device at the sky. To learn how to explore the night sky like a pro, check out our video tutorials.

Sky Events in July: Bottom Line

This July, spot elusive Mercury, take a photo of Venus in the Golden Gate of the Ecliptic, track the retrograde motion of Saturn, Mercury, and Neptune, and watch for the fast meteors of the Southern Delta Aquariids. Plan your stargazing trip now with the Sky Tonight app!

Text Credit: Vito Technology, Inc.

On June 11, 2025, the Full Strawberry Moon will grace the night sky — but this one comes with a twist! In the Northern Hemisphere, it will be the lowest Full Moon until 2043, staying unusually close to the horizon. Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, it will be the highest Full Moon until 2043. Curious to see how it will appear in the sky from your location? Track the Moon easily with the free Sky Tonight app. Now, let’s explore why this Moon hangs so low and what else makes it special!

When is the Full Moon in June 2025?

The Moon will be full on June 11 at 07:44 GMT. It is the last Full Moon before the June solstice on June 21, which marks the start of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere and astronomical winter in the Southern Hemisphere.

Moon phases in June 2025

• First Quarter: June 3, 03:41 GMT
• Full Moon: June 11, 07:44 GMT
• Last Quarter: June 18, 19:19 GMT
• New Moon: June 25, 10:31 GMT

New Moon in June 2025

As stunning as the Full Moon is, it’s actually the worst time for stargazing! Its bright light washes out fainter celestial objects. The best time to observe the night sky is during the New Moon, when the sky is darkest.

The New Moon in June will take place on June 25, at 10:31 GMT. Around this time, you can spot some June Bootid meteors. Want to know what else you can see from your location on the New Moon night? Use the Visible Tonight feature in the Sky Tonight app to get a personalized stargazing guide!

June Full Moon in the “13th zodiac constellation” Ophiuchus

The June Full Moon can be in Scorpius, Ophiuchus, or Sagittarius. In 2025, it will shine in the constellation Ophiuchus, which is sometimes called the 13th constellation of the zodiac because it’s located along the Sun’s annual path across the sky, just like the other 12 constellations. However, Ophiuchus is not a member of the zodiac family. Learn more about zodiac constellations and how they relate to the zodiac signs in our dedicated article. And if you are up for a challenge, test your zodiac knowledge with the quiz!

Bright star next to the June Full Moon

On June 10, a day before the Full Moon, the Moon will pass near Antares, the brightest star in Scorpius. Their closest approach will be at 11:01 GMT, with a separation of 0°17'. In some areas, the Moon will even cover Antares, an event called lunar occultation.

If you miss the meet-up on June 10, don’t worry! The Moon and Antares will still shine close together on the Full Moon’s night.

Solstice and Lunistice: June Full Moon is the most “extreme” Full Moon in 18.6 years!

The June Full Moon is the closest Full Moon to the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere (June 21), making it the lowest Full Moon of the year. Similarly, the closest Full Moon to the winter solstice is the highest of the year.

But this year it’s even more special! The June Full Moon 2025 will be the lowest Full Moon in 18.6 years in the Northern Hemisphere! It will also rise and set at its most southeasterly and southwesterly points in the sky.

Note that in the Southern Hemisphere, the situation is reversed, so the June Full Moon will be the highest Full Moon in that part of the world, and the lowest Full Moon will occur on December 5, 2025.

Why is this happening? Just like the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky at the summer solstice and lowest at the winter solstice, the Moon also has its “ups and downs” — but its movement is more complex. The Moon’s orbit is tilted by 5.1° relative to the ecliptic, and since the ecliptic is already tilted 23.4° from the celestial equator, the Moon can go as far as +28.7° north or -28.7° south in the sky. It’s further than the Sun can ever get.

If these celestial mechanics seem tricky to picture, take a look at our infographic on celestial coordinates.

When the Moon reaches the extreme positions, its rising and setting points stop shifting for a while and reverse direction — this is called a lunar standstill or lunistice, and it happens twice every month. However, the Sun’s gravity also slowly shifts the Moon’s orbit westward by about 19° per year. Over 18.6 years, this movement completes a full cycle, affecting how high or low the Moon appears. The extremes reached over this cycle are called the minor and major lunar standstills.

Right now, we are in the 2024–2025 major lunar standstill season, meaning the Moon is reaching its most extreme points in the sky. Because of this, the June Full Moon of 2025 will be the lowest Full Moon in 18.6 years in the Northern Hemisphere. It will reach a declination as low as -28°24.1', staying very low near the horizon. The Moon will shine through the thick layer of air and appear golden, orange, or even reddish. It will also appear much bigger due to the effect called Moon illusion. Don’t miss it, the Full Moon won’t hang this low again until June 2043!

In addition, the highest Full Moon in the Northern Hemisphere will occur on December 5, 2025. At this point, the Moon will stay as high as +28°15.9' from the celestial equator.

What is the June Full Moon called?

Strawberry Moon meaning

Strawberry Moon is one of the traditional names for the June Full Moon used by Native Americans — for them, June was the strawberry harvesting season. So the name is not based on the characteristics of the lunar appearance, but on the characteristics of the month. If you look at the names of other Full Moons, you’ll see that they’re also related to the natural characteristics of a particular month.

Astrologers believe that the Strawberry Moon is a symbol of love, purity, and prosperity. They also believe that the June Full Moon represents a desire for change, flexibility, and exploration since it’s in the sign of Sagittarius. However, the Full Moon’s constellation can vary from year to year — in 2025, the June Full Moon is in Ophiuchus. You can check the Moon’s location yourself using Sky Tonight or Star Walk 2.

Though the name evokes associations with pink and red strawberries, it has nothing to do with the June Full Moon’s color. It will most likely be golden-orange or white — the same color as any other Full Moon. However, it may appear reddish — for the same reason the Sun looks red while rising and setting.

June Full Moon alternative names

Although the Native American name “Strawberry Moon” became the most popular, in Europe, the June Full Moon was called the Rose Moon — maybe because roses bloom this month or because the June Full Moon sometimes looks pink (we’ve described this phenomenon below).

Another European name was the Mead Moon or the Honey Moon, as June was also the season of harvesting honey. Perhaps the tradition of calling the first month of marriage “honeymoon” originated from this name since June was believed to be the best month for a wedding.

In Sri Lanka, the national festival called Poson Poya aligns with the June Full Moon. On this day, the people of Sri Lanka commemorate the introduction of Buddhism to the island. It is the second important Buddhist holiday after Vesak (Buddha Day).

A Hindu festival Vat Purnima is also celebrated during the Full Moon in June. On this day, married women keep a fast, tie threads around a banyan tree, and pray for the well-being of their husbands.

There are also various names made up by other cultures:

• Chinese: Lotus Moon;
• Celtic: Moon of Horses;
• Wiccan: Dyad Moon;
• Cherokee: Green Corn Moon;
• Southern Hemisphere: Oak Moon, Cold Moon, Long Night’s Moon.

Some NASA employees have their own name for the June Full Moon. They call it the “LRO Moon” in honor of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter launched in June 2009.

Honey Moon

In the Northern Hemisphere, the June Full Moon of 2025 will be the lowest in 18.6 years! Since it will stay close to the horizon, it will appear larger than usual due to the Moon illusion and take on a golden or reddish glow because of atmospheric refraction — much like the Sun at sunrise or sunset.

This warm golden color makes the name Honey Moon especially fitting. But there’s more to it than just its appearance!

The Mead Moon or Honey Moon is an old European name for the June Full Moon, with records going back to at least the 1500s. The reason for this is that June was the time for harvesting honey, making this Full Moon the “sweetest” of the year. The term “honeymoon” is also linked to this, as June has long been a traditional month for weddings.

With its golden glow and historic roots, the June Full Moon of 2025 truly lives up to its name — the perfect Honey Moon!

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon, called the Buck Moon, will grace the sky on July 10, 2025. Delve into the details about its name and unique features in our dedicated article. Also, explore our colorful infographic showcasing the dates and names of the next Full Moons in 2025. And don’t miss out on other celestial wonders — keep an eye on notifications from the Sky Tonight app for exciting astronomical events!

When is the next Strawberry Moon?

The Strawberry Moon is the Full Moon that occurs in June. This year’s Strawberry Moon is on June 11 at 07:44 GMT. The next Strawberry Moon will take place next year, on June 29, 2026. It will also be the closest Full Moon to the June solstice, which will occur on June 21, 2026.

June Full Moon 2025: bottom line

The Full Strawberry Moon in 2025 will shine on June 11 at 07:44 GMT. Traditionally named by Native American tribes for the strawberry harvest, this Moon also carries the old European name Honey Moon. This year, it truly lives up to that name — it will be the lowest Full Moon in 18.6 years, hanging very low on the horizon in the Northern Hemisphere and taking on a golden glow, just like honey. In the Southern Hemisphere, it will be the highest Full Moon in 18.6 years, soaring high overhead. Don’t miss this rare celestial event! To see all of 2025’s Full Moons, visit our Full Moon calendar. Happy Moon-gazing!

Text Credit: Vito Technology, Inc.

Don’t miss June’s epic sky show! From the stunning Strawberry Moon and brilliant Venus shining at its best, to sneaky daytime meteors and June solstice — this month is packed with must-see celestial events. Want to know exactly when and where to look? Grab the free Sky Tonight app, point your phone to the sky, and explore what’s happening above your head!

Astronomical events in June 2025

Note that the event dates are provided in GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), so the dates may vary for different time zones. To learn when exactly the event is visible from your location, use the Sky Tonight app.

• June 1: Venus (mag -4.4) at greatest western elongation 🌟; Venus (mag -4.4) at dichotomy; Moon near Mars (mag 1.3)
• June 2: Moon near Regulus (mag 1.4)
• June 3: First Quarter Moon
• June 4: Venus (mag -4.4) near Eris (mag 18.7)
• June 6: Lunar occultation of Spica (mag 1.0)
• June 7: Daytime Arietids’ peak (ZHR = 30)
• June 8: Jupiter (mag -1.9) near Mercury (mag -1.2)
• June 10: Lunar occultation of Antares (mag 1.1)
• June 11: Full Moon 🌟
• June 17: Mars (mag 1.4) near Regulus (mag 1.4)
• June 18: Last Quarter Moon
• June 19: Moon near Neptune (mag 7.9), and Saturn (mag 1.1)
• June 21: June Solstice 🌟
• June 22: Mercury (mag -0.1) near Pollux (mag 1.2); Moon near Venus (mag -4.2)
• June 23: Moon near Uranus (mag 5.8); lunar occultation of the Pleiades (mag 1.2); Moon near Aldebaran (mag 0.9)
• June 24: Jupiter at solar conjunction
• June 25: New Moon; Moon near Jupiter (mag -1.9)
• June 26: Moon near Pollux (mag 1.2)
• June 27: Moon near Mercury (mag 0.0) and the Beehive Cluster (mag 3.1); June Bootids’ peak (ZHR = variable)
• June 28: Mercury (mag 0.1) at dichotomy
• June 29: Moon near Regulus (mag 1.4), Saturn (mag 1.0) near Neptune (mag 7.90 🌟
• June 30: Lunar occultation of Mars (mag 1.5) 🌟

*The highlighted events are the most interesting events of the month.

About magnitude: the faintest magnitude for stars and planets visible to the naked eye in cities with moderate light pollution is about 4. The limiting magnitude of an optical device depends on its specification but rarely exceeds 11.

Moon events in June 2025

Moon phases in June 2025

• First Quarter: June 3, 03:41 GMT
• Full Moon: June 11, 07:44 GMT
• Last Quarter: June 18, 19:19 GMT
• New Moon: June 25, 10:31 GMT

June 11: Strawberry Full Moon — The Sweetest Full Moon

This June Full Moon, which occurs on June 11, at 7:44 GMT, is particularly special. It’s the lowest Full Moon in the Northern Hemisphere in 18.6 years, meaning it will be extremely close to the horizon. As a result, it will appear orange or golden and seem larger due to the Moon illusion. In the Southern Hemisphere, the situation is reversed. There, the June Full Moon will be the highest and easiest to observe, not obstructed by tall buildings or trees.

The June Full Moon is known as the Strawberry Moon because it coincided with the start of strawberry harvesting season for Native American tribes. In Europe, it has also been called the Rose Moon and the Honey Moon, linking it with the soft hues of summer evenings and the popular time for weddings. What a sweet celestial treat!

Read more: June Full Moon

June 25: New Moon — Best Time for Stargazing

On June 25, at 10:31 GMT, the New Moon will occur. Since the Moon won’t be visible that night, the conditions will be ideal for stargazing with no lunar glare to interfere. It is the perfect time to observe deep-sky objects, and the Milky Way, or simply enjoy an unobstructed view of the cosmos.

Read more: Deep Sky Objects in June

June 29–30: Lunar Occultation of Mars — The Red Planet Disappears Behind the Moon

From 22:57 GMT on June 29 to 03:35 GMT on June 30, skywatchers will witness a striking celestial event: the Moon will pass directly in front of Mars, temporarily hiding the Red Planet from view. This rare phenomenon, known as a lunar occultation, will be visible from western Peru, Ecuador, western Colombia, and Clipperton Island. This event can be easily seen with the naked eye, but if you’ve got a telescope, it will reveal to you an incredible spectacle!

Don’t be too discouraged if you are not in the regions where the lunar occultation is seen! The conjunction and the close approach of Mars and the Moon will be visible worldwide. Get ready to observe Mars and uncover all the secrets of the Red Planet with this fun quiz.

Planets in June 2025

Planets visible in the Northern Hemisphere — June 2025

Mercury (Taurus, Gemini, Cancer): Visible in the northwestern evening sky after sunset. Mercury reaches its highest altitude in the evening sky in June. The planet’s brightness drops from magnitude -2.0 to magnitude 0.2 towards the end of June, but its visibility conditions will become better.

Venus (Pisces, Aries, Taurus): On June 1, Venus reaches maximum western elongation, marking the start of an excellent morning viewing season. Throughout the month, it shines brilliantly in the eastern morning sky, dimming slightly from magnitude -4.4 to magnitude -4.2 by the end of the month, but still clearly visible in the twilight.

Mars (Leo): Visible in the evening sky, low in the west, with a faint red glow. Mars dims slightly from magnitude 1.3 to 1.5 by the end of June. Although not particularly bright, it can still be spotted with the naked eye shortly after sunset.

Jupiter (Taurus, Gemini): Now nearing its conjunction with the Sun on June 24, Jupiter is difficult to observe this month. Although it maintains a steady naked-eye magnitude of -1.9, the planet stays very low in the western sky at dusk and is quickly lost in the Sun’s glare.

Saturn (Pisces): Rises in the eastern morning sky, just before dawn, but remains very low above the horizon and visible for less than an hour. Dims slightly from magnitude 1.1 to 1.0 by the month’s end.

Uranus (Taurus): Returns to the northeastern morning sky, best viewed by the end of the month. Although faint (magnitude 5.7) and requiring binoculars or a telescope, its visibility window gradually increases as June progresses.

Neptune (Pisces): Visible in the eastern morning twilight, at magnitude 7.9. It can be observed in mid-latitudes from dark-sky locations and with optical aid, but remains inaccessible in northern regions due to persistent twilight and polar daylight.

Planets visible in the Southern Hemisphere — June 2025

Mercury (Taurus, Gemini, Cancer): Visible in the northwestern evening sky, best seen during the middle and end of June. The planet remains visible for less than an hour after sunset, staying low near the horizon and requiring an unobstructed view to catch it. Mercury’s brightness drops from magnitude -2.0 to magnitude 0.2 towards the end of June, but its visibility improves.

Venus (Pisces, Aries, Taurus): On June 1, Venus reaches maximum western elongation and continues to dazzle as the Morning Star. It appears high in the northeastern morning sky, rising well before dawn. Venus stands out in the twilight throughout June, dimming slightly from magnitude -4.4 to -4.2 by the end of the month.

Mars (Leo): Visible in the evening sky, but its visibility is gradually declining. Mars sets earlier each night, making it harder to spot without a clear western horizon, and dims slightly from magnitude 1.3 to 1.5 by the end of June.

Jupiter (Taurus, Gemini): Difficult to observe this month, even though it has a steady naked-eye magnitude of -1.9. Jupiter can be spotted in the northwest at dusk during early June, but quickly becomes lost in twilight as it approaches solar conjunction on June 24.

Saturn (Pisces): Its visibility improves as the month progresses. Early in June, it rises in the morning, but by mid-to-late June, it becomes visible in the dark hours too. Dims slightly from magnitude 1.1 to 1.0** by the month’s end.

Uranus (Taurus): Visible in the northeastern morning sky, staying low near the horizon. Although faint (magnitude 5.7) and requiring binoculars or a telescope, its visibility window gradually increases as June progresses.

Neptune (Pisces): Visible in the morning twilight at a magnitude of 7.9. It remains low in the eastern sky, best seen from dark-sky locations and with optical aid.

June 1: Venus at greatest western elongation

On June 1, Venus reaches its greatest western elongation, appearing about 46° away from the Sun in the morning sky. Rising well before sunrise, it shines brightly at magnitude -4.4, easily visible even in twilight. The greatest elongation is the best time to observe Venus. Look for it in the constellation Pisces, on the eastern horizon. Venus is easily visible to the naked eye, but if you have a telescope, you can observe its half-illuminated disk — a phase called “dichotomy.”

Get to know the brightest planet in the sky! Test your knowledge with this quiz about Venus and see how many answers you can get right on the first try.

une 29: Saturn Near Neptune — The First of The Triple Conjunction

• Conjunction time: 08:20 GMT
• Conjunction distance: 0°59

On June 29, Saturn (mag 1.0) and Neptune (mag 7.9) will appear close together in the constellation Pisces, sharing the same right ascension in a pre-dawn sky. While Saturn can be seen with the naked eye, Neptune is much fainter and requires binoculars or a telescope to observe.

This meeting marks the first of three conjunctions between the two planets over the coming months. The triple conjunction is made possible by their upcoming retrograde motions — Neptune goes retrograde on July 5, followed by Saturn on July 14. These movements will bring them together again on August 6, 2025, and once more on February 16, 2026. Follow their celestial dance across the sky!

Read more: Planetary Conjunctions

Constellations in June 2025

In June, observers in the Northern Hemisphere can spot bright constellations like Scorpius and Ophiuchus rising in the southeast during the late evening. Libra, Virgo, and Leo also remain prominent in the southern sky after sunset. The constellations like Corvus, Crater, and Coma Berenices are best seen in the early evening. The jewel of the northern summer, Cygnus, is well-placed in the northeast as the night progresses.

In the Southern Hemisphere, Scorpius, Ophiuchus, and Sagittarius are well-placed and visible for much of the night. This makes June an ideal time to observe the Milky Way galaxy’s center, located in the constellation Sagittarius. Capricornus begins to rise late in the evening on the eastern horizon, as Libra and Virgo descend toward the western horizon. The constellations Aquila, Bootes, Corona Borealis, and Hercules can be seen low in the northern/northeastern sky.

June Solstice 2025

On June 21, 02:42 GMT, the solstice will take place. On this day, the Earth’s Northern Hemisphere will be tilted closest to the Sun and experience the longest day and the shortest night. This is called the summer solstice and, in astronomical terms, marks the first day of summer.

The opposite will occur in the Southern Hemisphere, which will be tilted the farthest away from the Sun. There, people will get to experience the shortest day and longest night of the year — the winter solstice, which brings the first day of winter.

By the way, do you know the difference between solstices and equinoxes? Take our quiz and test your knowledge!

Meteor showers in June 2025

There is only one notable meteor shower peak in June. It’s the Daytime Arietids, the strongest daytime meteor shower of the year. It peaks on June 7, delivering up to 30 “shooting stars” per hour. Daytime Arietids’ meteors will be visible just before dawn, and seeing them is not the easiest task for an observer.

The June Bootid meteor shower also peaks this month, but its maximum meteor rate is unpredictable. Typically it produces only 1–2 meteors per hour, which is not much different from the sporadic meteor rate observed at other times.

While you’re waiting for a truly exciting meteor shower (the Perseids peak on August 12), take a look at some tips on how to get the most out of meteor viewing.

How can I learn what’s in the sky above me?

The easiest way to learn what’s visible above you is to use a stargazing app that shows the sky from your exact location. While star charts and astronomy books are great, they can’t match the convenience of simply pointing your phone at the sky and getting real-time guidance. That’s where the free Sky Tonight app comes in. It helps you instantly identify stars, planets, constellations, and even satellites — just by aiming your device at the sky. The app is intuitive enough for beginners and rich in features for experienced skywatchers. Explore a detailed event calendar, check a stargazing index for your exact location, and try pro tools like a built-in photo editor and analemma plotting. Sky Tonight turns curiosity into discovery — no telescope required.

Read more: Meet Sky Tonight

Astronomical events in June 2025: conclusion

June 2025 is full of exciting celestial events. These include brilliant Venus at its greatest elongation on June 1, daytime meteors on June 7, the “most extreme” Full Moon on June 11, and the lunar occultation of Mars on June 30. The June solstice on June 21 marks a seasonal shift: summer begins in the Northern Hemisphere and winter begins in the Southern Hemisphere.

To follow these events and more, the free Sky Tonight app is the perfect tool. It helps you track celestial events in real time, explore the night sky from your exact location, and plan your stargazing sessions with custom alerts, a detailed sky calendar, and a stargazing index. So grab your stargazing tool, head outside, and explore the beauty of the June sky!

Text Credit: Vito Technology, Inc.

Ever dreamed of seeing the sky come alive with shimmering waves of green and red light? The northern and southern lights — aurora borealis and aurora australis — are among Earth’s most magical natural displays. In this guide, you’ll discover what causes auroras, the best times and places to see them, and why they are especially active right now. Use the Sky Tonight app to find the darkest nights and ideal conditions for spotting auroras. Don’t miss your chance to witness nature’s ultimate light show!

What is an aurora?

An aurora is a beautiful light display in the sky near Earth’s polar regions. An aurora in the Northern Hemisphere is called the aurora borealis or northern lights, and in the Southern Hemisphere, it is known as the aurora australis or southern lights.

The Latin word “aurora” to describe this mesmerizing natural wonder was first coined by Galileo Galilei in 1619, who named it after the Roman goddess of dawn. The words “borealis” and “australis” come from the names of the Greco-Roman gods of the north and south winds, Boreas and Auster, respectively.

What causes the northern and southern lights?

The northern and southern lights occur when charged particles from the Sun (the solar wind and bursts from solar storms) collide with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere (mostly oxygen and nitrogen). These particles are directed by Earth’s magnetic field toward the poles.

Auroras appear between 97 and 1,000 kilometers above Earth, forming vibrant curtains, spirals, coronas, rays, and other forms. These shapes follow magnetic field lines. Adding to their marvel, auroras seem to “dance,” constantly changing with Earth’s rotation and bursts of solar energy.

Why auroras are stronger now: the solar maximum

Auroras are closely tied to solar activity, which follows an 11-year cycle with alternating periods of high and low intensity. The most active phase of the cycle is called solar maximum. During this time, the Sun produces more sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These powerful eruptions send streams of charged particles toward Earth, intensifying the aurora borealis and aurora australis.

Solar Cycle 25 has exceeded its predicted peak in August 2024, but solar activity is expected to remain strong through early 2026. Thanks to it, auroras are appearing more often, glowing more vividly, and extending farther from the poles, even reaching regions that rarely experience them.

The Sun lights up your days, but do you really know it? Discover its secrets — from sunspots to the core — in our fun quiz!

When is the best time to see auroras?

The best chances to see auroras come when three conditions align: dark skies, clear weather, and high solar activity. This is why winter, the New Moon, and periods of solar maximum are the most favorable times in both hemispheres. Additionally, equinoxes are the times when auroras are especially active.

During winter, nights are longer, especially near the poles, where the Sun doesn’t rise at all during the polar night. With the Moon out of sight during its new phase, the sky is even darker, making auroras easier to spot.

However, darkness alone isn’t enough; auroras also depend on the interaction between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field. This is where the equinoxes come in. As Earth orbits the Sun, its axial tilt causes the angle between its magnetic field and the solar wind to shift. Around the equinoxes, the alignment is optimal, creating temporary “cracks” in the magnetosphere. These openings allow more solar particles to enter, increasing the likelihood of visible auroras.

When is the best time to see the northern lights?

The aurora borealis is most likely to be visible from late August to mid-April. Although auroras occur year-round, they are too faint to be seen in daylight. This makes sightings virtually impossible from May through early August in the far north during the polar day, and more difficult in other northern areas with extended daylight hours.

March and September, around the time of the equinoxes, provide better aurora activity. Meanwhile, in December and January, the nights are the longest and darkest, offering prime conditions for extended skywatching.

Auroras can appear at any time during darkness, but the strongest displays typically occur between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., with a peak often seen around 11 p.m. to midnight. During daylight hours (roughly 4 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the sky is usually too bright to see them, unless you are in a high-latitude location like Svalbard, where it remains dark 24 hours a day from mid-November to late January.

When is the best time to see the southern lights?

The aurora australis can be observed from March to September. Although auroras occur year-round, they are too faint to be seen in daylight. This makes sightings virtually impossible from October through early March in the far south during the polar day, and more difficult in other southern areas with extended daylight hours.

June and July offer the longest, darkest nights, while March and September typically bring higher auroral activity. Aurora displays are most likely between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., with peak visibility around 11 p.m. to midnight. During daylight hours (roughly 4 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the sky is usually too bright to see auroras — unless you’re in Antarctica, where the polar night allows for 24-hour darkness, though it’s a challenging and remote spot for aurora viewing.

How long do the northern and southern lights last?

Some auroras last only a few minutes, while others can stretch on for hours. On average, a strong display lasts about 15 to 30 minutes, but multiple waves of auroras can appear throughout the night, especially during periods of heightened solar and geomagnetic activity, for example, around equinoxes.

The intensity and duration can vary greatly from one night to the next, making every aurora sighting unique. This unpredictability is part of what makes aurora hunting so exciting — you never know when the sky might suddenly light up.

Where can you see the aurora borealis and aurora australis?

Auroras are most frequently seen within the auroral zone, a belt about 6° wide centered around 67° north and south latitude. The area where auroras appear at any given moment is called the auroral oval.

During geomagnetic storms, these ovals can expand, allowing auroras to be seen much farther from the poles. The aurora borealis has occasionally reached as far south as the Mediterranean and the southern United States, while the aurora australis has been visible as far north as New Caledonia and Western Australia’s Pilbara region. One of the most extreme cases was the Carrington Event in 1859, when auroras were seen even in the tropics.

Best places to see the aurora borealis (northern lights)

Here are some of the popular and accessible destinations to observe the northern lights:

• Norway — Tromsø, Alta, and the Lofoten Islands
• Sweden — Abisko and Kiruna in Swedish Lapland
• Finland — Rovaniemi and areas north of the Arctic Circle
• Russia — The Murmansk region, including Teriberka and the Kola Peninsula
• Iceland — Almost the entire country offers excellent visibility
• Canada — Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and northern Alberta
• Alaska (USA) — Fairbanks and Denali National Park

During strong geomagnetic storms, the northern lights can occasionally be seen much farther south, reaching parts of Scotland, northern U.S. states (like Minnesota, Michigan, and Maine), and even lower latitudes.

Best places to see the aurora australis (southern lights)

The aurora australis is harder to spot due to the vast oceans surrounding the South Pole and fewer populated areas at high southern latitudes. Still, some places offer great viewing potential:

• Tasmania (Australia) — Areas south of Hobart and remote beaches like Cockle Creek
• New Zealand — The South Island, particularly around Dunedin, Invercargill, and Stewart Island
• Southern Argentina and Chile (Patagonia) — Here auroras are occasionally visible during strong solar storms
• Sub-Antarctic islands — Such as South Georgia or the Falklands (for expeditions or researchers)
• Antarctica — The most active region for the southern lights, but also the least accessible

How to see an aurora?

Here is how to increase your chances of witnessing the northern lights (aurora borealis) or southern lights (aurora australis):

• Choose the ideal location

Aim for locations within or near the auroral zones, but keep in mind that some areas closer to the poles can have harsh or unpredictable weather. Check the recommended spots listed in the Best places to see auroras section of this article.

• Time it well

The northern lights are visible from September to March, and the southern lights can be seen from March to September. The optimal viewing hours are from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., especially from 11 p.m. to midnight.

• Monitor aurora forecasts

Use websites like Space Weather Prediction Centre and SpaceWeatherLive to stay updated on upcoming aurora activity. Watch the Kp index — a value of 5 or higher means there’s a good chance of seeing strong auroras.

• Seek clear dark skies

Avoid city lights to keep the skies as dark as possible. Plan your aurora hunt around the New Moon for minimal natural light, and aim for nights with clear skies and low cloud cover.

To easily find the darkest night for aurora viewing, use the Sky Tonight app. It features a Stargazing Index that combines the Moon phase, weather conditions, and light pollution to show how good the observing conditions are tonight. In the app’s calendar, you can check the Moon phases for each day, and see when total darkness begins and how long it lasts.

• Face the best direction

Once you’re at your viewing spot, face north in the Northern Hemisphere and south in the Southern Hemisphere. Make sure you have a wide, clear view of the horizon.

• Warm up and stay patient

Dress warmly and bring a blanket or chair for comfort. Avoid looking at bright light sources, so your eyes can adjust to the dark. While you wait, use Sky Tonight in night mode to explore stars and planets — it’ll make the time pass more enjoyably.

With the right conditions and a bit of luck, you’ll be rewarded with one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights!

Aurora myths and legends

Throughout history, people have looked to the glowing skies with awe and curiosity, crafting rich stories to explain the mysterious lights. Here are some of the most fascinating aurora myths from around the world.

• Scandinavia: The Vikings believed the northern lights were the reflections of shining weapons of Valkyries guiding fallen warriors to Valhalla.
• Finland: The Sámi people thought that auroras were caused by a magical fox sweeping snow into the sky with its tail — that’s why the Finnish word for auroras is translated as “fox fires.”
• Siberia: The Chuvash believed the aurora borealis was a flying snake and a god of childbearing who distributes souls of babies.
• Greenland: The Inuits considered auroras to be the souls of the dead playing football with a walrus skull.
• North America: The Algonquin people thought auroras were fires lit by their creator, Nanahbozho, to remind them of him and to watch over them.
• New Zealand: The Maori saw the aurora australis as the reflected glow of torches or campfires lit by their ancestors, who had journeyed south and settled in those distant lands.
• Australia: The Aboriginal Australians interpreted the aurora australis as fires in the spirit world or omens from ancestral beings.

F.A.Q.

Why do the auroras have different colors?

Aurora colors depend on the type of gas in the atmosphere and the altitude where the charged particles collide with it:

• Green — Caused by oxygen at altitudes of about 100 to 300 km
• Red — Also from oxygen, but higher up, above 150 km
• Blue/Purple — Produced by nitrogen at lower altitudes
• Pink/Yellow: Rare blends of red with green or blue, seen during high solar activity

The most common aurora colors are red and green.

Are the northern and southern lights really that colorful?

Yes, the northern and southern lights can be marvelously colorful, but what you see with the naked eye is usually less vivid than in photos. Green is the most common and visible color, while reds, purples, and blues often appear faint or grayish in real time. Light pollution and clouds may also obscure the view. However, under very dark conditions with strong aurora activity, you may naturally see a wide range of colors.

Is there a difference between the northern and southern lights?

The northern and southern lights are essentially the same natural phenomenon. However, they are viewed from opposite poles of Earth, and their visibility seasons are reversed. Auroras in both hemispheres occur simultaneously and in similar patterns, but there may be slight differences in their shapes and timing due to variations in the Earth’s magnetic field and the direction of the solar wind. Also, the aurora borealis is better known and more frequently observed because it’s easier to reach high-latitude locations in the Northern Hemisphere.

Are auroras dangerous?

Auroras occur so high up in the atmosphere that they don’t pose any danger to people watching them on the ground. However, the solar storms that trigger strong auroras can impact technology, potentially disrupting GPS, radio signals, and satellite operations.

Are there auroras on other planets?

Auroras aren’t exclusive to Earth — they can be found on other planets too, as long as they have a magnetic field and an atmosphere. The only Solar System planet that doesn’t have auroras at all is Mercury, since it lacks a substantial atmosphere and is located too close to the Sun.

Northern lights and southern lights: conclusion

The northern and southern lights (aurora borealis and aurora australis) are among the most mesmerizing natural wonders on Earth — dancing waves of light that can be seen with the naked eye. They’re a result of solar wind interacting with Earth’s magnetic field, and right now, they’re more active than they’ve been in over a decade!

The best chances to see auroras come when solar activity is high, the nights are darkest, and you’re in a low light pollution area close to the poles. Use the Sky Tonight app to find the darkest night and plan ahead for the perfect viewing conditions. Save this article so you can come back to it when your ideal aurora night approaches.

Wishing you clear skies and a stunning display of colorful auroras!

Text Credit: Vito Technology, Inc.

Don’t miss it! On Monday, May 12, catch Full Flower Moon at its brightest. For the best view, simply find an open spot and watch as it rises above the horizon. This is when it will appear at its largest and take on a golden hue! Get the exact time for your location with the free astronomy app Sky Tonight.

The Moon will reach its full phase on May 12, 2025, at 16:56 GMT (12:56 p.m. EDT). At that moment, our natural satellite will be positioned in the constellation Libra. By the way, you don’t have to strictly follow the timing to enjoy the beauty of our natural satellite: to the naked eye, the Moon will appear round and bright the day before and after reaching the full phase. You can see how the Moon will look in the sky on any chosen date in the Sky Tonight app: tap the calendar icon, open the Moon tab, and select any date. You will see an accurate 3D image of the Moon, which reflects the angular size and orientation of the real Moon as seen from your location.

May Moon phases 2025

• First Quarter Moon: May 4, 13:52 GMT
• Full Moon: May 12, 16:56 GMT
• Last Quarter Moon: May 20, 11:59 GMT
• New Moon: May 27, 03:02 GMT

Did you know? While the Full Moon is a stunning sight on its own, the best time to view the Moon through a telescope or binoculars is during its quarter phases! At these times, the Moon isn’t overly bright, and the shadows cast across its surface reveal more detail.

May Full Moon in Libra

The May Full Moon can appear in either Scorpius or Libra, depending on the year. In 2025, it will shine in the constellation Libra. Next time the May Full Moon will be in Scorpius in 2026.

Bright star next to the May Full Moon

At the Full Moon date, the Moon will be located in the constellation Libra, which doesn’t host any bright first-magnitude stars. However, you can spot Zubenelgenubi, a second-magnitude star and the brightest in Libra, shining nearby.

By the next night, the Moon will move into Scorpius, where it will pass close to the reddish star Antares (mag 1.1), often called the “heart of the scorpion.” The closest approach between the two will occur on May 14, just two days after the Full Moon, when the Moon will still appear fully illuminated to the naked eye.

In some locations, the Moon will even hide Antares from 02:31 to 06:57 GMT on May 14. This lunar occultation will be a spectacular sight, especially when viewed with binoculars.

To easily find Antares in the sky, use the Sky Tonight app. You can also learn what planets are close to the Moon from our dedicated article.

Flower Moon meaning

The Flower Moon is one of the most popular names for the May Full Moon. Why is it called that? The answer is easy to guess: in the Northern Hemisphere, May is a blooming season for many flowers. Delighted by the beauty of the blossoming nature, the Native Americans named a Full Moon after it. If you look through all the Full Moon names, you’ll see that they are somehow connected to the features of nature typical for a particular month. Сheck out our colorful infographic and see for yourself!

Astrologers believe that the Flower Moon signifies a perfect time to let out your deepest feelings and become more vulnerable. They also believe that May’s Full Moon is influenced by the sign Scorpio. However, in 2025, the May Full Moon will be located in Libra. You can check the Moon’s location yourself using Sky Tonight or Star Walk 2.

May Full Moon alternative names

People in different parts of the world used to make up various names for the May Full Moon. Let’s take a look at some of them:

• Chinese: Dragon Moon;
• Celtic: Bright Moon;
• Wiccan: Hare Moon;
• Cherokee: Planting Moon;
• Southern Hemisphere: Beaver Moon, Frost Moon.

May Micromoon

May’s Full Moon will occur near its farthest point from Earth, a position called apogee. Because of this, it will appear about 5% smaller and 10% dimmer than an average Full Moon, making it a Micromoon — the opposite of a Supermoon. Curious about how Micromoons compare to Supermoons? Check out our infographic on these lunar events!

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will occur on June 11, 2025, at 07:44 GMT; it is commonly called the Strawberry Moon. Stay tuned for notifications in the Sky Tonight app and follow us on social media, so you won’t miss it! To learn about all the Full Moons of 2025, read our Full Moons Calendar.

When is the next Flower Moon?

The Flower Moon is the Full Moon that occurs in May, so the next Flower Moon after May 12, 2025, will take place next year — on May 31, 2026, at 08:45 GMT.

May Full Moon 2025: Key takeaways

The May Full Moon will take place on May 12, 2025, at 16:56 GMT. It is named the Flower Moon — after the flowers that bloom during this month. Use the Sky Tonight or Star Walk 2 app to learn the Moon’s current phase and position in the sky. We wish you clear skies and happy Moon-gazing!

Text Credit: Vito Technology, Inc.

The night sky in May is filled with exciting events, from dazzling shooting stars to eye-catching encounters between the Moon, planets, and stars, topped off with the Full Flower Moon. Discover all the best celestial events of the month! For easy navigation and to enhance your stargazing experience, use the free astronomy app Sky Tonight.

Astronomical events in May 2025

The event dates given further are in GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), and the exact dates vary for different locations. You can learn the exact info for your location from the Sky Tonight app.

• May 1: Saturn (mag 1.0) near Ceres (mag 9.3)
• May 2: Moon near Pollux (mag 1.2); Neptune (mag 7.9) near Venus (mag -4.7); Asteroid 4 Vesta (mag 5.7) at opposition 🌟;
• May 4: First Quarter Moon; Moon near Mars (mag 1.0) and the Beehive Cluster (mag 3.1) 🌟;
• May 5: Eta Aquarids’ peak (ZHR = 50) 🌟; Moon near Regulus (mag 1.4); Mars (mag 1.0) near the Beehive Cluster (mag 3.1);
• May 6: Equinox on Saturn 🌟;
• May 9: Asteroid 9 Metis (mag 9.7) at opposition;
• May 10: Lunar occultation of Spica (mag 1.0); Eta Lyrids’ peak (ZHR = 3); Neptune (mag 7.9) near Ceres (mag 9.3);
• May 12: Full Moon 🌟;
• May 14: Lunar occultation of Antares (mag 1.1);
• May 18: Uranus at solar conjunction;
• May 20: Last Quarter Moon;
• May 22: Moon near Saturn (mag 1.2), Neptune (mag 7.9) 🌟;
• May 23: Moon near Venus (mag -4.5) 🌟;
• May 24: Mercury near Uranus (mag 5.8);
• May 26: Mercury (mag -1.9) near the Pleiades (mag 1.2); Moon near Mercury (mag -1.9), Uranus (mag 5.8);
• May 27: New Moon; Moon near Aldebaran (mag 0.9);
• May 28: Moon near Jupiter (mag -1.9);
• May 30: Moon near Pollux (mag 1.2); Mercury at superior solar conjunction;
• May 31: Moon near the Beehive Cluster (mag 3.1).

*The highlighted events are the most interesting events of the month.

About magnitude: the faintest magnitude for stars and planets visible to the naked eye in cities with moderate light pollution is about 4. The limiting magnitude of an optical device depends on its specification but rarely exceeds 11.

Moon events in May 2025

May Moon phases 2025

• First Quarter Moon: May 4, 13:52 GMT
• Full Moon: May 12, 16:56 GMT
• Last Quarter Moon: May 20, 11:59 GMT
• New Moon: May 27, 03:02 GMT

Did you know? While the Full Moon is a stunning sight on its own, the best time to view the Moon through a telescope or binoculars is during its quarter phases! At these times, the Moon isn’t overly bright, and the shadows cast across its surface reveal more detail.

Moon near Mars and the Beehive Cluster on May 4

• Moon-Mars conjunction time: 00:26 GMT
• Moon-Mars conjunction distance: 1°58'
• Moon-Beehive conjunction time: 00:14 GMT
• Moon-Beehive conjunction distance: 2°45'

Probably the most beautiful conjunctions of the month will take place on the night of May 3 to 4. The Moon (44% illuminated) will pass close to Mars (mag 1.0), and the Beehive Cluster (mag 3.1) will join the view. The conjunctions will take place in the constellation Cancer.

The Moon will be in its first quarter phase, which is bright enough but still lets you see the dim stars of the Beehive Cluster. Although the Moon, Mars, and the cluster will be at their closest at different times of the night, you will be able to see them all close together. Use the Sky Tonight app to find the best time to view the scene from your location. It’s also a great opportunity to take a photo of the night sky!

Those living in the eastern U.S. and Canada will have another bonus: the Moon will occult the star Asellus Borealis (4.7 mag). This event will be visible with binoculars. The Moon will hide Asellus Borealis for only a few minutes, and the time of the event will depend on your location. To find out the exact time in your city, check out the Moon’s trajectory on the night of May 3–4 in Sky Tonight.

Flower Full Moon on May 12 — the last Micromoon of 2025

The Full Moon will occur on May 12 at 16:56 GMT. But you don’t have to wait for the exact time: the Moon will appear bright and full for about a night before and after.

This Full Moon is traditionally known as the Flower Moon, named for the blooming season in the Northern Hemisphere. While there are, of course, no flowers on the Moon itself, the name reflects the natural beauty of springtime on Earth.

It’s also a Micromoon, which means it occurs when the Moon is near apogee, its farthest point from Earth. As a result, the lunar disk will appear about 10% fainter and 2% smaller than an average Full Moon. Still, the difference is subtle — most people won’t notice it, and it certainly won’t take away from the magic of Moon watching.

Read more: May Full Moon 2025

Moon near Venus, Saturn & Neptune on May 22–23

• Moon-Saturn conjunction: 2°49' apart on May 22 at 17:45 GMT
• Moon-Neptune conjunction: 1°53' apart on May 22 at 20:55 GMT
• Moon-Venus conjunction: 3°81' apart on May 23 at 23:25 GMT

On May 22–23, enjoy a beautiful pre-dawn sky show as the 22% illuminated crescent Moon meets Saturn, Neptune, and Venus in the constellation Pisces. Saturn (mag 1.1) and Venus (mag -4.5) will be visible to the naked eye. Neptune, at a magnitude of 7.9, is much fainter and requires binoculars, but it will be closest to the Moon, offering a chance to see both in the same binocular field. Look toward the eastern horizon before sunrise to catch this celestial lineup.

Learn more: What Planet Is Next To The Moon Tonight?

New Moon on May 27

The New Moon will occur on May 27 at 03:02 GMT. On this night, you can enjoy the darkest skies of the month.

With no moonlight to interfere, it’s a great opportunity to explore deep-sky objects. Use binoculars to spot the Carina Nebula (Northern Hemisphere) or the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy (Southern Hemisphere). No equipment? No problem! The star-filled sky is a treat in itself — and under dark skies, you might catch a glimpse of elusive planets like Mercury, Saturn, or even Uranus.

Read more: Deep-Sky Objects In May

Planets in May 2025

Planets visible in the Northern Hemisphere — May 2025

Mercury: Visible in the northeastern morning sky in early May, low above the horizon at dusk. As the month progresses, Mercury moves through the constellations Pisces to Aries, but becomes increasingly difficult to see as it approaches the Sun. By mid-May, it disappears into the Sun’s glare, and on May 30, it reaches a superior conjunction with the Sun. During May, Mercury’s brightness increases from magnitude 0 to magnitude -2.4, but the planet’s visibility decreases.

Venus: Visible on the eastern horizon in the morning sky as a breathtaking sight throughout May. Venus continues to move away from the Sun, improving its visibility each day as it approaches its maximum elongation on June 1. It spends the entire month in Pisces, fading from a magnitude of -4.7 to -4.4 towards the end of May.

Mars: Moves from the constellation Cancer to Leo in the evening sky. Although its brightness continues to decrease (from magnitude 1 to 1.3 by the end of May), Mars remains visible as a distinct reddish “star” after sunset.

Jupiter: Visible in the northwestern evening sky, still well-placed for observations. It remains in Taurus throughout the month, with its brightness varying slightly from a magnitude -2.0 to -1.9.

Saturn: Begins the month too close to the Sun, and appears in the eastern morning sky from mid-May, just above the horizon at dawn. Located in Pisces, Saturn gradually moves away from the Sun, dimming only slightly from a magnitude of 1.2 to 1.1. Its visibility window increases, although lengthening daylight hours limit observing time.

Uranus: In early May, Uranus is barely visible in the northwestern evening sky and soon becomes unobservable. It reaches conjunction with the Sun on May 17. By the end of the month, it begins to reappear in the morning sky. The planet spends the month in Taurus, with a steady magnitude of 5.8, and requires binoculars to observe.

Neptune: Stays too close to the Sun in early May, and appears low in the eastern morning sky in mid-May, just above the horizon at twilight. Neptune stays in Pisces at magnitude 7.9 and requires binoculars or a telescope to observe.

Planets visible in the Southern Hemisphere — May 2025

Mercury: Visible in the eastern morning sky during the first half of May. Travels through Pisces and Aries, and becomes hidden in the sunrise glow by mid-month. The planet reaches a superior conjunction with the Sun on May 30. Mercury’s brightness increases from magnitude 0 to magnitude -2.4, but the planet’s visibility decreases.

Venus: Shins high in the northeastern morning sky and becomes more prominent throughout the month as it moves farther from the Sun, approaching its maximum elongation on June 1. Venus stays in Pisces, fading from a magnitude of -4.7 to -4.4 towards the end of May.

Mars: Visible in the evening sky, moving from Cancer into Leo. Though its brightness decreases slightly (from a magnitude of 1.1 to 1.3), it still stands out as a prominent reddish “star” after sunset.

Jupiter: Visible in the northwestern sky after sunset, still well-placed for observations. Jupiter stays in Taurus throughout the month, with its brightness varying slightly from a magnitude -2.0 to -1.9.

Saturn: Visible high in the northeastern morning sky. Saturn’s visibility improves throughout May, as it moves farther from the Sun. It stays in Pisces and maintains a magnitude of 1.1, dimming only slightly from a magnitude of 1.2 to 1.1.

Uranus: Appears in the evening twilight early in May, but soon becomes lost in the Sun’s glow. Uranus reaches conjunction with the Sun on May 17. By late May, it begins to emerge in the morning sky. The planet is visible in Taurus with a magnitude of 5.7, and requires binoculars for observation.

Neptune: Starts the month too close to the Sun, and appears low on the eastern horizon before sunrise in mid-May. Neptune stays in Pisces, shining faintly at magnitude 7.9, viewed with binoculars or a telescope.

Equinox on Saturn on May 6

Think equinoxes only happen on Earth? Think again! On May 5–6, Saturn will reach its Northern Hemisphere’s fall equinox, a rare event that occurs only once every 15 years. This is just one of the many fascinating things about the Ringed Planet. To discover more fun facts and test what you already know, try our Saturn quiz.

For observers with telescopes, the Saturn equinox is an exciting event. Equinoxes on Saturn can reveal unusual atmospheric features and changes in the colors of the multiple bands of the planet.

One of the most striking effects of the equinox is that Saturn’s rings appear almost edge-on from our point of view. While they were perfectly edge-on back on March 23–24, Saturn was too close to the Sun for safe viewing. This time, the planet is well-positioned in the morning sky, offering a much better chance to observe this rare event.

Read more: Saturn: The Ringed Planet

Constellations in May 2025

May is a great month for stargazing, with many bright constellations visible in both hemispheres. In the Northern Hemisphere, look for Libra, Virgo, and Leo, shining high in the evening sky, with Spica and Regulus as their brightest stars. Cancer, Gemini, and Auriga are setting earlier but still visible after sunset. Look for their standout stars, Pollux and Capella. Along the southern horizon, constellations such as Hydra, Corvus, Crater, Canis Minor, and Antlia can be seen.

In the Southern Hemisphere, Monoceros, Canis Minor, Hydra, Crater, and Corvus are well-placed in the evening sky. The constellations Scorpius with red Antares, Libra, Virgo with Spica, and Leo with Regulus are prominent, too. You can also spot Bootes, home to Arcturus, as well as trickier constellations like Coma Berenices and Leo Minor.

Learn more: May Stars And Constellations

Asteroids in May 2025 — Vesta at opposition

The best time to observe asteroids is during their opposition to the Sun, when they are brightest and visible all night. On May 2, asteroid 4 Vesta reaches opposition, shining at a magnitude of 5.7 — just bright enough to be seen with the naked eye under dark skies. However, finding Vesta without help can be tricky, so we recommend using the Sky Tonight app: type “Vesta” in the search, tap the blue target icon, and point your device at the sky. Follow the white arrow to locate Vesta in the constellation Libra. If your sky conditions are less than perfect, we recommend using binoculars for a better chance of spotting the asteroid.

4 Vesta is one of the largest bodies in the Asteroid Belt, with a diameter of about 525 kilometers (326 miles). It is considered the second-largest asteroid after Ceres and is the brightest asteroid visible from Earth.

Learn more: What Is Opposition In Astronomy?

Comets in May 2025

The most promising comet of May should have been Comet C/2025 F2 (SWAN), reaching the perihelion and closest approach to Earth on May 1. Around this time, it was expected to brighten to about magnitude 5, making it easy to spot with binoculars. However, it most certainly disintegrated on April 16. There is still a chance to observe the comet’s remnants, but their brightness and visibility are uncertain. If you want to try your luck, look for the comet low in the northeastern sky just after sunset using binoculars or a telescope.

A possible target for telescope owners this month is C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan- ATLAS) with a magnitude of 12. The comet is visible from local midnight to dawn, passing in front of the constellation Vulpecula.

Learn more: Comets 2025

Meteor Showers in May 2025

There are two notable meteor showers in May 2025: the Eta-Aquariids, which peak on May 5–6, and the Eta-Lyrids, which peak on May 10.

The strong Eta Aquariids typically produce up to 50 meteors per hour at their peak. While they are best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere, people in some northern areas can also see them. In 2025, the Eta Aquariid meteor shower is expected to peak on May 6 at 03:00 GMT, two days after the First Quarter Moon. Although the Moon will be 72% illuminated, it will set by dawn, leaving the morning sky dark and free of moonlight.

In contrast, the Eta Lyrids are much weaker, with a maximum of about 3 meteors per hour during their peak. The New Moon on May 8 will provide optimal viewing conditions. The radiant point of this meteor shower will be above the horizon all night, making it accessible to observers in the Northern Hemisphere.

Learn more: Meteor Shower Calendar for March-June.

How to see astronomical events in May 2025?

Use the Sky Tonight app to easily explore the night sky and keep track of all the celestial events mentioned.

Sky Tonight offers one of the largest free databases of celestial objects among stargazing apps! You can discover galaxies, comets, asteroids, and other celestial bodies without having to purchase additional content.

To learn how to get the most out of the app, watch our short video tutorials.

May Celestial Events: Bottom Line

This May, enjoy a sky full of wonders — admire bright constellations, snap photos of the Moon alongside stars and planets, spot asteroid Vesta at its brightest, catch the Eta Aquariid meteors, and try to see the subtle size difference of the May Micromoon. And there is much more! For a smooth and fun stargazing experience, download the free Sky Tonight app — your all-in-one guide to the night sky.

Wishing you clear skies and happy stargazing!

Text Credit: Vito Technology, Inc.

On April 22, the world celebrates Earth Day. This symbolic birthday of our planet serves an important mission — to promote living in harmony with nature. As you navigate the stars with our Sky Tonight app, remember to cherish and protect the ground beneath your feet as well.

Earth Day 2025

When is Earth Day in 2025?

Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22. In some countries, it’s also celebrated on the March Equinox. However, you don’t need to limit yourself to one day; you can organize Earth Month and dedicate more time to environmental actions.

What is the Earth Day 2025 theme?

According to the official Earth Day website, the theme of Earth Day 2025 is “OUR POWER, OUR PLANET.” The focus this year is on renewable energy, with a global goal to triple the production of clean electricity by 2030.

Earth Action Day: how to get involved?

This year’s Earth Day also carries the subtitle Earth Action Day, highlighting the idea that meaningful change starts with each of us. The Earth Day organizers highlight four ways to get involved:

• Educating: Learning the facts about climate change and clean energy, and sharing them with your community.
• Advocating: Using your voice to push for change. Signing petitions, contacting your local leaders, and demanding action on renewable energy and environmental protection.
• Mobilizing: Organizing or joining local events like rallies, town halls, or campus teach-ins to bring people together and raise awareness.
• Pledging: Sharing your commitment on social media. Using your platform to inspire others to get involved in Earth Day.

You can also join the celebration of Earth Day by trying our engaging quiz! It’s fun and informative for kids and adults alike, helping everyone learn more about our planet in an interactive way.

Earth Month 2025

Extending Earth Day, the entire month of April is celebrated as Earth Month — a time to build lasting habits that help keep the planet clean and green. Here are some ideas you can practice throughout April (and beyond!):

• Pick up trash while you’re walking;
• Turn off lights when not in use;
• Limit your water usage;
• Plant a tree or donate to a reforestation project;
• Switch to e-books;
• Choose plant-based meals;
• Use a reusable water bottle;
• Buy glass or paper products;
• Use environmentally friendly cleaning products;
• Switch to reusable bags;
• Volunteer on ecological projects.

History of Earth Day

The first Earth Day was held in 1970 in the US by Senator Gaylord Nelson. It turned into a nationwide demonstration for environmental awareness. Later that year, the Environmental Protection Agency was created too. The movement has grown rapidly, and nowadays, as the official Earth Day Network declares, about 1 billion people participate in Earth Day annually.

Likewise, in 1972, the United Nations conducted the Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm. That started an age of global awareness. Coincidentally or not, the General Assembly designated April 22 as International Mother Earth Day in 2009. Mother Earth Day implies that various nations commonly call the Earth their “mother,” and we all must care about our common home and be grateful to it. Both events now are aimed to confront climate change and inspire people to be environmentally friendly.

Earth Day from a space perspective

Every day is Earth Day if you look at it from space. It becomes clear that humans are an infinitesimal part of the Universe, and our Earth is a fragile spaceship that we must protect. After all, seeing the Earth from above helps to better understand its issues.

Space science contributes a lot to preventing and solving climate change. For example, the Landsat missions flown by NASA in cooperation with the United States Geological Survey examine the condition of the Earth’s forests. The data they collect on the Amazon rainforest helps to explore the causes and effects of a fire season and send deforestation alerts. Another NASA mission, the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership mission (Suomi NPP), also tracks thermal anomalies. Moreover, it monitors changes to global ice cover, the health of the ozone layer, air pollution, and other Earth conditions.

The European Union’s Copernicus Sentinels launched by the European Space Agency also collect data on the Earth’s health. They measure the behavior of the oceans, lands, and atmosphere and give an emergency management overview to predict earthquakes and tornadoes. Even dense marine plastic accumulations can be detected from above — as proved by Copernicus Sentinel-2, whose data is now used for that purpose. And these are indeed not the only examples of how space science helps us protect the Earth.

Green technologies developed for space missions also serve for everyday life, like reusable water bottles with built-in filters or flexible solar panels. Dozens of satellites in orbit along with astronauts on the International Space Station, study the Earth from above, while scientists analyze the records and propose solutions. However, even the provided scientific data wouldn’t help without public engagement.

Celebrate Earth’s birthday by stargazing

In 2025, Earth Day on April 22 comes with a cosmic treat — the Lyrid meteor shower peaks that same night! This could be another opportunity to honor Earth’s “birthday.”

Take a break from city lights, join an eco-event or cleanup outside the city, and stay to enjoy the night sky. You may see up to 18 meteors per hour during the peak. The Lyrids are best seen from the Northern Hemisphere, but southern regions may also see a few shooting stars. To find the best time to watch the meteor shower from your location, check the Meteors tab in the calendar of the Sky Tonight app. You can also check out our meteor shower infographic to discover other upcoming events and get tips for observations.

Stargazing helps us see Earth’s place in the Universe — and connect with nature on this special day from a different perspective.

What is Earth Day: Conclusion

Earth Day’s mission is to remind us that nature and humankind are inseparably connected. “When we see the Earth from space, we see ourselves as a whole… one planet, one human race” — such an Earth Day message was delivered by ESA and The Stephen Hawking Foundation on April 22, 2020. All of us across the globe are connected by our Mother Planet Earth. And we all can make an effort to make it a better place to live. So, let’s do it!

Text Credit: Vito Technology, Inc.

April 2025 offers skywatchers an opportunity to admire the most prominent planet — Venus — at its best and brightest until November 2026. Read on to find out when and how to see the dazzling planet. To locate Venus in the sky easily, download the free Star Walk 2 stargazing app.

April 25: Venus shines with the Moon before dawn

On Friday, April 25, 2025, the brilliant planet Venus (mag -4.8) will team up with the Moon (11% illuminated) in the morning sky. Regardless of your location, find the two brightest objects shining together in the eastern sky before dawn. Venus and Moon will be located in the constellation Pisces.

The pair will make an eye-catching sight and offer a great photo opportunity. Not to miss this stunning view, use the stargazing app Star Walk 2 to identify when the Moon and Venus rise and set in the sky above your location. Nearby, you’ll also be able to see Saturn, Mercury, and Neptune, making for a planetary alignment. This celestial event will be best visible from the Southern Hemisphere — check out our dedicated article for all the details.

April 27: The morning “star” at its brightest

On Sunday, April 27, the gleaming “morning star” will reach its greatest brilliancy. Venus started this month at a magnitude of -4.3, and at its peak brightness, the planet will glow at a spectacular magnitude of -4.8 (smaller numbers mean brighter objects). Our “sister” planet will appear to shine so brightly that it will be almost impossible not to see it with the naked eye, even as the Sun begins to rise. If you have sharp eyes, you’ll be able to see the planet even in the daytime. Venus is the 3rd brightest object in the night sky, after the Sun and Moon. At peak brightness, it will outshine the brightest star in the entire night sky — Sirius.

No need to wait until April 27 to start observing Venus — it will shine brightly throughout late April. After that, it will gradually fade and won’t reach this level of brightness again until November 2026.

The maximum brightness of Venus is also called the greatest illuminated extent. Such a title describes a compromise between the planet’s increasing apparent size and the diminishing illuminated portion of its disk (illuminated phase). Interestingly, Venus appears most brilliant in our sky at its crescent phase (about 25% illuminated).

Venus at peak brightness in April 2025: bottom line

Late April 2025 is the best time to observe Venus! Shining at an impressive magnitude of -4.8, the planet will light up the morning sky alongside the Moon, Saturn, Mercury, and Neptune. Look for Venus just before sunrise — it will appear on the eastern horizon as the dazzling “morning star.” To make it easier to locate Venus and other objects around it, use the free Star Walk 2 astronomy app.

Want to learn more about Venus?

• Read the article: Venus, The Brightest Planet
• Take the quiz: Fun Facts about the Earth’s Hot, Toxic Twin Planet

The Full Moon in April (known as the Pink Moon) will take place in the constellation Virgo on Sunday, April 13. The brightest dot near the Moon will be Spica, the most prominent star in Virgo. This Full Moon is also special for another reason — it determines the date of Easter in 2025. Want to learn about the Full Moon’s rising time in your city and identify nearby celestial objects? You can easily do it with the free astronomy app Sky Tonight. Read on, and you’ll learn the meaning of the Pink Moon, its other names, and all the facts you need to know about the April Full Moon!

When is the Full Moon in April 2025?

This month, the Moon will reach its full phase on April 13 at 00:22 GMT (April 12, 8:22 p.m. EDT). At this moment, it will be exactly 180 degrees opposite the Sun in celestial longitude.

In astronomy, the Full Moon is the exact moment in time, but to observers on Earth, the Moon looks full for about a day before and after that moment. You can see the bright, round lunar disk in the east in the evening, right above you at midnight, and in the west just before sunrise.

April Moon phases 2025

Here are the exact dates and times for the key lunar phases in April 2025:

• First Quarter Moon: April 5, 02:15 GMT (April 4, 10:15 p.m. EDT)
• Full Moon: April 13, 00:22 GMT (April 12, 8:22 p.m. EDT)
• Last Quarter Moon: April 21, 01:35 GMT (April 20, 9:35 p.m. EDT)
• New Moon: April 27, 19:31 GMT (3:31 p.m. EDT)

April Full Moon in Virgo

In 2025, as in most years, the April Full Moon will occur in the constellation Virgo, near its brightest star, Spica.

Occasionally, the April Full Moon may be in Libra, but this only happens when the full phase falls right at the end of April. The next time this will happen will be in 2037.

Spica, the bright star near the Full Moon

With a visual magnitude of 1.0, Spica is the 16th brightest star in the night sky. However, finding it near the luminous Full Moon (visual magnitude -12.3) can be challenging, especially in areas with significant light pollution. Try to observe the pair with binoculars.

On April 13, at 00:39 GMT (April 12, 8:39 p.m. EDT), Spica will pass within 0°18′ of our natural satellite. Also, a lunar occultation of Spica will be visible over Latin America and the Caribbean and southern parts of South Africa from 23:50 GMT on April 12 to 04:16 GMT on April 13 (07:50 p.m. EDT on April 12 to 12:16 a.m. EDT on April 13).

To confirm you’re looking at Spica, you can use the Sky Tonight app. It will help you identify celestial objects effortlessly.

You can catch this celestial duo in the sky from dusk till dawn, with their highest point around midnight.

Is the Pink Moon actually pink?

Surely it is if you look at it through rose-colored glasses. In reality, though, this name was given to the April Full Moon by Native Americans to represent the color of the wild ground phlox. The phlox is one of the earliest flowers to bloom this month. No matter the color, walking under the Full Moon and enjoying the first spring flowers is a wonderful experience!

By the way, the Moon does appear in a spectrum of colors in visual and metaphorical senses. Take our quiz to learn more about the colors of the Moon!

April Full Moon alternative names

Here are some examples of what the April Full Moon is called in different cultures:

• Chinese: Peony Moon
• Celtic: Growing Moon
• Wiccan: Seed Moon
• Cherokee: Flower Moon
• Southern Hemisphere: Harvest Moon, Hunter’s Moon

Paschal Full Moon 2025: Determining the Easter Date

This April’s Full Pink Moon is the Paschal Full Moon, which determines the date of Easter. A Paschal Full Moon is the first Full Moon after the March equinox, which in 2025 falls on March 20. According to the traditional rule, the Western (Roman Catholic and Protestant) Christian churches celebrate Easter on the Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon, therefore, in 2025 Easter will be observed on April 20.

April Micromoon

April’s Full Moon will occur near its farthest point from Earth, known as apogee. As a result, it will appear about 5.1% smaller in diameter than usual — earning it the name Micromoon, the opposite of a Supermoon. However, the size difference is so subtle that you might not even notice it. Want to learn more? Check out our infographic on Micromoons and Supermoons!

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will occur on May 12, 2025, at 16:56 GMT (12:56 p.m. EDT). It is traditionally called the Flower Moon. If you’d like to learn more about the upcoming Full Moons and the origins of their names, read our article.

When is the next Pink Moon?

The Pink Moon is the Full Moon that occurs in April, so the next Pink Moon after April 13, 2025, will take place next year — on April 2, 2026, at 02:12 GMT (April 1, 10:12 p.m. EDT).

April Full Moon 2025: Key takeaways

The Full Pink Moon in 2025 will take place on April 13 at 00:22 GMT (April 12, 8:22 p.m. EDT). It got its name after a pink wildflower (Phlox subulata) that blooms this month. Although the Moon won’t turn pink, it’s still worth looking at, especially as the evenings get warmer in the Northern Hemisphere. Observers in the Southern Hemisphere, where the April Full Moon goes by other names, also shouldn’t miss it.

To find the dates of all the Full Moons coming this year, check out our colorful Full Moon calendar for 2025. Also, use the Sky Tonight app to find out when the Full Moon will rise in your location.

We wish you clear skies and successful observations!

Text Credit: Vito Technology, Inc.