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Welcome to another exciting yearly installment of "What to Shoot in Carolina's Skies," brought to you by Juxtaposed Tides. As we gaze upon the vast canopy of stars above North Carolina, 2025 promises to be a spectacular year for skywatchers and photographers alike. Whether you're a seasoned astrophotographer or a stargazing novice, this guide will help you capture the best celestial events visible from the Tar Heel State throughout the year. With North Carolina's diverse landscapes—from the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the serene Outer Banks—serving as your backdrop, the sky is truly the limit.
Solar Cycle and Seasonal Splendor
The year 2025 continues the vibrant peak of Solar Cycle 25, offering abundant opportunities to capture the Sun's dynamic activity. As solar maximum wanes, watch for vibrant auroras during solar storms, especially in the northern skies of North Carolina. These natural light shows can illuminate the night with ethereal colors, providing a rare chance to photograph auroras against iconic North Carolinian landmarks.
As we journey through the seasons, mark your calendars for the start of each: the northward equinox on March 20th, the northward solstice on June 20th, the southward equinox on September 22nd, and the southward solstice on December 21st. These transitions promise breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, perfect for capturing the changing hues of our skies. The interplay of sunlight and the unique geographical features of North Carolina can result in stunning compositions that capture the essence of time and place.
Lunar Highlights and Occultations
2025 is a "hilly" year for the Moon, courtesy of a Major Lunar Standstill, causing it to swing widely in our sky. This phenomenon will be particularly noticeable during the closest perigee on May 26th and the most distant apogee on October 24th. These events offer photographers the chance to highlight the Moon's apparent size and path across the sky, creating dramatic lunar landscapes.
A rare Black Moon on August 23rd and the October Harvest Moon on the 7th will provide unique lighting conditions for lunar photography. The Harvest Moon, in particular, offers warm, golden tones that beautifully illuminate the autumn foliage of North Carolina, making for picturesque scenes.
For those fascinated by occultations, the Moon will occult several planets and bright stars throughout the year. Capture stunning images of the Moon as it passes in front of Mars, Venus, Spica, and Antares. These events are perfect for creating dynamic shots that juxtapose the bright disk of the Moon against the twinkling points of starlight. Additionally, the Moon will occult the Pleiades cluster 14 times, offering a remarkable chance to photograph this celestial dance with a long lens, capturing the intricate details of this star cluster.
Eclipses: A Photographer's Dream
Although 2025 doesn't feature any total solar eclipses, it does bring two total lunar eclipses. The first occurs on March 13-14, and the second on September 7-8. Both eclipses will be visible from North Carolina, providing perfect opportunities to capture the Moon's ethereal transformation as it passes through Earth's shadow. These events are ideal for experimenting with time-lapse photography, capturing the gradual change in the Moon's appearance as it moves through the umbra.
Planetary Movements and Conjunctions
The year kicks off with Mars at opposition on January 16th, shining brightly in the night sky. This is the perfect time to capture the Red Planet at its best, using telephoto lenses to reveal its surface details. While Jupiter skips its opposition in 2025, it will still offer plenty of photographic opportunities alongside Saturn, which reaches opposition on September 21st, with its rings edge-on for a rare treat. This configuration allows photographers to capture Saturn’s rings as a thin line, offering a unique perspective on this iconic planet.
One of the year's highlights is a close conjunction of Jupiter and Venus on August 12th. Photograph these two bright planets as they appear to dance together in the early morning sky. Their close proximity will create opportunities for wide-angle shots that include the surrounding stars and landscape. Another not-to-miss event is Venus's close pass to the star Regulus on September 19th, creating a celestial smiley face with the Moon. This whimsical alignment provides a delightful subject for photographers seeking to capture the playful side of the cosmos.
Comets and Meteor Showers
Keep an eye out for Comet C/2024 G3 ATLAS early in the year. If it holds together and brightens as expected, it could become a beautiful addition to your portfolio. Use longer exposures to capture the comet’s tail and its movement against the starry backdrop.
2025 also offers a bounty of meteor showers. The Quadrantids in January, the Perseids in August, and the Geminids in December are all expected to provide brilliant displays of shooting stars, especially under the dark skies of North Carolina. During these showers, position your camera to capture the radiant point of the meteors and include a compelling foreground to add depth to your images.
Tips for Capturing the Skies
1. Plan Ahead: Use apps and websites to track celestial events and weather conditions. Knowing the exact timing and location of an event can make all the difference.
2. Use the Right Equipment: A sturdy tripod, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens, and a remote shutter release are essential for capturing sharp, long-exposure shots.
3. Experiment with Settings: Start with a low ISO, a wide aperture, and a shutter speed of 10-30 seconds. Adjust these settings based on the specific event and lighting conditions.
4. Scout Your Location: Find a dark sky location with minimal light pollution. North Carolina offers many beautiful spots, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks.
5. Be Patient and Creative: Celestial photography often requires patience and creativity. Experiment with foreground elements to add interest and scale to your images.
6. Join Local Astronomy Clubs: Engaging with local clubs and communities can provide additional insights and tips. They often conduct group observations that can be both educational and inspiring.
Conclusion
2025 is set to be a remarkable year for skywatchers and photographers in North Carolina. By staying informed and prepared, you can capture the beauty of the cosmos and create stunning images that celebrate the wonder of our universe. Keep following Juxtaposed Tides for monthly guides on specific events, and happy shooting under Carolina's magnificent skies! Embrace the opportunity to explore and document the celestial wonders that await in the year ahead.