Stars in Our Eyes: AMC’s 2025 Skygazing Guide, Part 1

We’ll be the first to admit we’re a bit starry-eyed. From Virginia to Maine, you can often find us outside with our heads tilted up, trying to get a glimpse of shimmering constellations, exhilarating meteor showers, or glowing planets.  

Our love of dark skies means we’re committed to limiting light pollution—light from sources not found in nature, like street lights, car headlights, or porch lights– and creating conditions for clear, healthy skies above all of AMC landscapes and properties so we can all see the dark and the sense of wonder it offers. We’re also passionate about spreading the word — we created an illustrated children’s book all about the benefits of dark skies, and we regularly write and share about preserving the dark.

Dark skies not only give us the best nighttime views, but they also help plants and animals maintain their natural life cycles. Birds depend on clear skies to navigate when migrating. Plants need darkness to slow down and ‘rest’ before channeling their energy into growing during the day. Some plants and animals are only active at night and rely on consistently dark skies to engage in their day-to-day activities, just like we go about our day in the sunlight.  

In celebration of dark skies, we’ve put together a guide to the must-see celestial events of 2025. These events come from NASA and are for the first half of the year – a second night sky viewing guide will be posted in June. Be sure to check out our top viewing tips to maximize the fun and wonder! 

And if you want to experience the darkest skies east of the Mississippi, join us in the Maine Woods (home to New England’s first and only International Dark Sky Park!) for our annual  Dark Skies Festival , or come visit us at AMC for one of 2025’s special celestial events.

 January 

Jan. 3  – Quadrantids Meteor Shower. Arriving annually from January 1-5, the Quadrantids Meteor Shower peaks this year the night of January 3. Viewing should be best after midnight. 

Jan. 10 – Venus will be prominent in the western sky, offering a unique opportunity to sight the planet at night. 

Jan. 13 – Full Moon. Also known as the “Wolf Moon,” “Old Moon,” or “Moon After Yule.” 

Jan. 16 – Mars at Opposition. Mars’ face will be fully illuminated by the Sun, offering the best views of the red planet this year.  

February 

Feb. 12 – Full Moon. Also known as the “Snow Moon” or “Hunger Moon.” 

March 

March 8 – A unique opportunity to view Mercury in the Western sky. 

March 14 – Full Moon. Also known as the “Worm Moon,” “Crow Moon,” or “Sap Moon,” March’s full moon is also a total lunar eclipse, meaning the Moon will pass through Earth’s shadow and take on a reddish hue. 

April 

April 13 – Full Moon. Also known as the “Pink Moon,” “Sprouting Grass Moon,” or “Fish Moon.” 

April 22  – Lyrids Meteor Shower. Beginning April 16, the Lyrids will peak April 22 and end on the 25. Meteors will originate from the Lyra constellations, but can appear anywhere in the sky. 

April 19 – Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower. This meteor shower runs from April 19 to May 28, peaking the night of May 6. 

April 21 – Another chance to view Mercury, this time in the Eastern sky. 

May 

May 12 – Full Moon. Also known as the “Flower Moon,” “Corn Planting Moon,” or “Milk Moon.” 

May 31 – Look to the Eastern skies for an opportunity to view beautiful Venus.  

June 

June 11 – Full Moon. Also called the “Strawberry Moon,” “Rose Moon,” or “Honey Moon.” 

The Northern lights are also expected to peak in 2025 – for best views, find a clear, dark place away from bright lights, keep an eye on your local weather forecast, and consult NOAA’s Aurora Dashboard or an app like Aurora for peak sighting conditions. 

We can’t wait for the upcoming year’s beautiful night skies and stunning celestial events. Join us for these amazing starry spectacles in 2025!