March 2025 Stargazing & Celestial Highlights: Blood Moon, Eclipse, Planetary Alignments, and More!
March is a month of celestial wonders—perfect for stargazing enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience the magic of the night sky. From planetary alignments to a total lunar eclipse, the universe has some incredible surprises in store for us this month. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, now is the perfect time to get outside, explore the stars, and take your adventure to the next level by renting one of Titus Adventures' campervans or overland vehicles.
Pack your bags, grab your gear, and let's dive into the best celestial events of March 2025.
1. Penumbral Lunar Eclipse – March 13 & 14, 2025
On March 13th, the Full “Blood Moon” will rise, and just after midnight March 14th (Mountain Standard Time) a subtle but beautiful penumbral lunar eclipse will occur. This type of eclipse happens when the moon passes through Earth’s penumbral shadow, causing a gentle dimming of the moon's surface. It's the perfect occasion for a peaceful stargazing experience, and what better way to enjoy it than from the comfort of a heated campervan. With the freedom to drive off the beaten path, your campervan gives you access to some of the darkest, most pristine stargazing spots—away from the crowds and light pollution—allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the night sky.
What to Expect:
The moon will not disappear as it would in a total lunar eclipse, but it will take on a soft, shaded appearance. The subtle darkening will be most visible around the moon’s edges.
A great opportunity for peaceful stargazing, this event is perfect for those who enjoy the serenity of a quiet night under the stars.
Where to Watch:
Great Basin National Park (NV): Known for its exceptionally dark skies, this Dark Sky Park is ideal for observing the faint shading of the moon. Imagine parking your Titus Adventure vehicle right in the heart of nature, offering you an unparalleled view of the lunar eclipse.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (CO): This Dark Sky Park offers stunning views and minimal light pollution, making it an excellent spot for the penumbral eclipse. Park your campervan for the night and wake up to the magic of the stars above.
Tips for Watching the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse:
Unlike a solar eclipse, you don’t need special glasses. Simply head to a dark location for the best visibility.
Relax and enjoy the show with a blanket or lawn chair, and consider bringing a telephoto lens to capture the delicate shadows on the moon’s surface.
2. Planetary Alignments – March 2025
March 2025 will bring some spectacular planetary alignments. Key planets like Mars, Venus, and Jupiter will be visible in the night sky, making this an exciting month for planetary observation. The planetary alignment will generally be visible for a few weeks. The best visibility will be from about March 15 through March 25, with the peak around March 20-22. After that, you'll still see these planets, but they’ll gradually move out of alignment.
What to Expect:
Venus will shine brightly in the western evening sky, often referred to as the “Evening Star,” throughout the entire month of March, with its brightest appearance around March 20-22.
Mars will be visible in the western sky just after sunset. Look for the red planet as it stands out among the stars. It will stay visible through the end of March.
Jupiter will also be visible in the western evening sky, though it won't be as prominent as Venus or Mars. Like the others, it will be visible throughout March.
Where to Watch:
Valley of Fire State Park (NV): For a more remote and visually stunning location, head to Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. With its dramatic red sandstone formations and expansive desert views, this park offers excellent conditions for spotting the planets.
Cherry Creek State Park (CO): A convenient location near Denver for easy access to planetary alignments, though it’s best to find a spot further from the city for optimal views. Your overland vehicle will give you the flexibility to explore remote locations with the best views.
Tips for Watching the Planetary Alignments:
Set your alarm for sunset to catch the planets as they appear in the sky. Venus and Mars are best seen shortly after the sun sets.
Binoculars can help you see the planets up close, but they’re not necessary—these planets are bright enough to be spotted with the naked eye.
3. SPRING Equinox – March 20, 2025
The March Equinox on March 20th marks the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. During the equinox, day and night are nearly equal in length, creating a perfect balance. Celebrate this change in the seasons by taking a Titus Adventure vehicle on a journey to a remote, dark-sky location.
What to Expect:
The equinox is a great time to celebrate the changing of the seasons, and it’s an excellent occasion to appreciate the balance of light and dark. As the days grow longer, the magic of the equinox reminds us of the balance in nature and the beauty of our surroundings.
Where to Watch:
While the equator is the most prominent location for the equinox, anywhere with a clear view of the horizon will offer a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the shift in seasons. Take your Titus adventure vehicle on a scenic drive to a remote location for the perfect view.
Tips for ENJOYing the Equinox:
Celebrate with a sunset or sunrise hike to mark the balance of day and night.
Consider visiting CU Boulder’s Fiske Planetarium for their seasonal talk on Colorado Skies: The Spring Equinox to learn more, event will be held at 7pm on March 21, 2025.
4. Camelopardalids Meteor Shower – March 22, 2025
The Camelopardalids meteor shower will peak on March 22nd, 2025. While not as intense as some other meteor showers, this event still offers a wonderful opportunity to catch a peaceful meteor show in the dark skies of March. With the comfort of a Titus campervan or overland vehicle, you’ll be able to park in a remote location and watch the meteors in privacy.
What to Expect:
The Camelopardalids are known for their slow-moving meteors, which can leave behind glowing trails across the sky.
This meteor shower will be a relatively peaceful one, with occasional bright meteors cutting through the sky.
Where to Watch:
Mesa Verde National Park (CO): A bit farther south, Mesa Verde National Park offers dark skies and a unique opportunity to stargaze among ancient cliff dwellings. The park's remote location and clear, expansive skies make it an ideal spot to catch the Camelopardalids meteor shower in all its glory. Park your adventure vehicle here and enjoy the stars while taking in the park's rich history and breathtaking landscapes.
Arches National Park (UT): For an otherworldly experience, Arches National Park in Utah offers some of the darkest skies in the southwest, making it an excellent choice for meteor watching. With its iconic rock formations and expansive desert views, this park provides a stunning backdrop for the Camelopardalids meteor shower. Park your campervan in one of the park’s designated areas and enjoy the meteors streaking across the sky while taking in the beauty of the arches illuminated by starlight.
Tips for Watching the Camelopardalids Meteor Shower:
Head to a dark location away from city lights. This meteor shower will be most visible after midnight.
While you don’t need binoculars, a comfortable chair and some warm clothes will make the experience more enjoyable.
Best Stargazing Locations in THE DESERT SOUTHWEST
To experience the magic of these celestial events, it’s important to choose the right stargazing locations. Here are the designated Dark Sky Areas of the Southwest Region:
Arizona
California
Colorado
Nevada
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Utah
Wyoming
Final Thoughts:
March 2025 promises to be an exciting month for celestial events, from planetary alignments to the awe-inspiring solar eclipse. Whether you’re heading out for a meteor shower, celebrating the Spring Equinox, or witnessing an eclipse, now is the time to experience the wonders of the universe. Take advantage of the clear skies in the southwest desert, head to one of the Dark Sky Areas, and immerse yourself in the magic of stargazing.
But why not make the adventure even more unforgettable by hitting the road in a Titus Adventures vehicle? Our overland vehicles and campervans are perfect for those seeking both comfort and freedom as they chase the best celestial views. Imagine having the flexibility to camp under the stars, with your home-away-from-home equipped to handle the wildest landscapes while providing you with a perfect stargazing spot right outside your door. Whether you’re seeking a secluded camping spot or want to park by the towering monoliths of the Colorado National Monument to watch the solar eclipse, our vehicles will make your stargazing experience even more magical.
