What is National Astronomy Week?

National Astronomy Week 2025 runs from 1-9 February and is supported by the Royal Astronomical Society, British Astronomical Association, Federation of Astronomical Societies, and Society for Popular Astronomy.

National Astronomy Week doesn’t occur at the same time each year; it’s instead held when there is a significant astronomical event that attracts public attention. In previous years it was held when Halley’s Comet returned to Earth, when there was a close approach of Mars, and on the 400th anniversary of the invention of the telescope.

This particular week in 2025 was chosen to celebrate a planetary gathering of Mars, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn in the evening sky.