UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 30: This set of images taken in 2004 show the phases and relative size of … [+]
Each Friday, I pick out North America’s celestial highlights for the weekend ahead (which also applies to northern hemisphere mid-northern latitudes). Check my main feed for more in-depth articles on stargazing, astronomy, eclipses and more.
The Night Sky This Weekend: March 14-16, 2025
In the wake of the first total lunar eclipse since 2022, there ought to be more sky-watchers than usual this weekend as the “blood moon” reminds everyone of the night sky’s spectacular sights. As well as another lunar highlight on Sunday, this is also your last chance to see Venus — and it’s looking absolutely stunning.
Friday, March 14-Saturday, March 15: Venus As A Crescent
Just after sunset, look low in the western sky to see the two innermost planets of the solar system — Venus and Mercury. Although seeing Mercury in the post-sunset sky is a rare opportunity, there’s something much more exciting to see tonight. Now just 3%-lit, Venus is on the cusp of disappearing into the sun’s glare. It will pass into the pre-dawn sky on March 22, but this weekend is the last good chance to easily see it — and what a sight. See through any telescope, or even a big pair of binoculars, the crescent looks like a smiley face and is so slim, and low in the sky, that is shines in all of the colors of the rainbow.
According to Spaceweather.com, that’s because Earth’s atmosphere acts like a prism, separating the red crescent from the blue, with the splitting of colors so obvious because the crescent is so slim.
Catch Venus and Mercury while you can before they both vanish into the twilight next week. Be outside 45 minutes after sunset and get observing because they’ll sink into the western horizon within about 30 minutes.
Sunday, March 16: Moon And Spica
Sunday, March 16: Moon And Spica
Be outside looking east-southeast about two hours after sunset to see a 93%-lit waning gibbous moon rise just below a bright star — Spica in the constellation Virgo. This star, which is 261 light-years from the solar system, is one of four that the moon passes close to every month. The others are Aldebaran, Regulus and Antares. However, this is a particularly close pass.
The sight of Spica rising in the east is a sign that astronomical spring is almost with us.
The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information, consult online planetariums like Stellarium and use a sunrise and sunset calculator for where you are.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
