National Astronomy Week (NAW) 2025 is set to be a spectacular celebration of the cosmos, uniting astronomers, stargazers, and space enthusiasts across the UK. Running from the 1st of February to the 9th of February, this week-long-plus event will bring together hundreds of stargazing sessions, astronomy group meetings, observatory open evenings, and online streams, offering something for everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned skywatchers.
Chasing the Moon: A Celestial Journey
One of the standout activities for NAW 2025 is “Chasing the Moon”, an event designed to engage the public with the beauty and motion of our nearest celestial neighbour. Throughout the week, participants will have the chance to observe the Moon as it travels across the night sky, changing phase and meeting a stunning parade of planets along its journey.
The activity will provide a unique opportunity to track the Moon’s nightly progress, using telescopes, binoculars, or even the naked eye. As the Moon waxes or wanes, it will pass close to bright planets such as Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars, making for breathtaking conjunctions that are perfect for both observation and astrophotography.
Print out this chart and colour in the Moon to track its appearance.
How to get involved
There are many ways to participate in National Astronomy Week 2025 and the Chasing the Moon event:
Attend a Stargazing Session: Astronomy groups across the UK will be hosting public stargazing nights, where experts will guide attendees through the wonders of the night sky. Find your nearest event.
Visit an Observatory Open Evening: Many observatories will be opening their doors, allowing visitors to see the Moon and planets through professional telescopes. Find observatories in the UK.
Join an Online Livestream: If you can’t make it to an event in person, numerous online streams will showcase the Moon’s journey and expert discussions. Find online streams.
Follow the Moon from Home: Simply step outside on a clear night and track the Moon’s position each evening, noting how it moves and changes shape as the week progresses.
Public events during National Astronomy Week 2025
National Storytelling Week
This coincides with astronomy week; listen to the traditional story The Sages of Chelm, by the fantastic professional storyteller Alastair Daniel of the Society for Storytelling. The story relates to the changing phases of the Moon, and so is perfect for our theme of Chasing the Moon. Find more details on Storytelling.
Alastair Daniel from the Society of Storytelling
Why the Moon Matters
The Moon has fascinated humanity for millennia, guiding ancient calendars, inspiring myths, and fuelling scientific exploration. “Chasing the Moon” will highlight its role in our solar system, its influence on Earth, and its interactions with the planets we admire in the night sky.
Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or just beginning your journey into stargazing, National Astronomy Week 2025 is the perfect opportunity to deepen your appreciation of the universe. Mark your calendars, get involved, and prepare to be awed by the celestial wonders overhead!
For more details on local events, schedules, and livestreams, visit the official NAW website https://astronomyweek.org.uk.
Clear skies and happy stargazing!
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