The Night Sky 2025


The Night Sky 2025 – Edition

The night sky 2025  will offer many opportunities for spectacular views.

The year has kicked-off with unfavorable night sky viewing conditions across much of the United States and other locations. We hope there’s rapid improvement.

Tracking the sky can be done for little or no money, and is a great way to spend time away from technology while enjoying the natural world. Excessive screen time is considered to have negative impacts on youth development.

The Night Sky 2025 Beginnings

Night Sky 2025 sample imageDepending where on your location, you may have witnessed the Northern Lights to close 2024.

Also starting at the end of 2024 and continuing into the 2025 night sky is the Quadrantis meteor shower.

More January Events

Night sky, January 2025: What you can see tonight [maps] | Space

What to Look for in February

You’re familiar with the term crescent moon, but have you heard of crescent Venus?

This requires viewing with a telescope, if you have one and weather conditions permit, venture out on February 19 to witness this event.

Other February Events

Calendar for February

What to Look for in March

There will be a total lunar eclipse on March 14 (when the moon is full). Click here to download visibility map from NASA.

Later in the month there will be a partial solar eclipse.

Other events in March

We will update this post each quarter, but if you want to plan ahead use these reference links to search for occurrences for the entire year.

What to Look for in March

There will be a total lunar eclipse on March 14 (when the moon is full). Click here to download visibility map from NASA.

Later in the month there will be a partial solar eclipse.

Other events in March

We will update this post each quarter, but if you want to plan ahead use these reference links to search for occurrences for the entire year.

Final Thoughts

Want to compare 2024 to 2025 night sky events? Take a look back at our year-long blog post. Keeping a journal of your observances through the years a great way to document your activities.

Check back in mid-to-late March for Q2 updates.

Visit our K-12 Learning Resources for more astronomy and other science resources.

Please use the comments to share your viewing experiences.

Enjoy!

Fascinating Connections

Fascinating Connections Installment #1

Applying the six degrees of separation theory, odd or fascinating connections can be found everywhere.

Sometimes they’re deep and meaningful. Sometimes they’re interesting tidbits that make for good dinner or party conversation.

When we speak of education we tend to focus solely on formal education where an instructor passes on knowledge to a captive audience. All too often, the information is presented in isolation with little thought given to overlapping conditions and ripple effects.

A lot of learning occurs outside of classrooms. Sometimes I must remind parents or guardians that they were their child’s first teacher.

Let’s encourage more inquisitiveness and exploration to discover what bridges exist between seemingly separated areas.

To kick off this series, I’m starting with one from the entertainment industry.

Fascinating Connections in Entertainment

The Background

Van Johnson

Van Johnson (1916-2008) was a prolific film and television actor whose career spanned nearly five decades. He appeared onscreen with Judy Garland, Lionel Barrymore, and June Allyson to name just a few. According to IMDB, his last credit was in 1992. He was also an accomplished dancer.

Kennan WynnKeenan Wynn (1916-1986) was also a talented film and television actor, appearing in “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “The Last Unicorn.” Mr. Wynn was a member of a prominent acting family. His last acting credit was the year of his death.

From the 1940s through the 1950s the two actors appeared in several movies together, including “Somewhere I’ll Find You” with Clark Gabl and Lana Turner.

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman book cover“The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” is a 1971 novel by Ernest J. Gaines. It chronicles the life of the titular character from her childhood during the last chapter of slavery through the dawn of the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman TV movie

The novel was adapted for a 1974 made-for-television movie of the same name. It starred Cicely Tyson, whose performance many people still regard as one of the greatest – ever.

 

What’s the Fascinating Connection?

Mr. Johnson and Mr. Wynn were reasonably active in 1974, but neither appeared in the 1974 TV production of Miss Jane Pittman, but they are connected to it.

Do you know how?

Please put your answer in the comment section.

More and different fascinating connections will be presented in the days ahead.

Want to learn how a popular Broadway show and movie used a popular opera for the storyline? See our Fun with Opera.”

The 2025-26 FAFSA Is Open


Good news! The 2025-26 FAFSA is open to all students.

Although still in testing mode, the Department of Education has provided access to not just the approved schools and community-based organizations, but to all everyone.

This puts ED about two weeks ahead of its announced schedule.

Thus far there have been no reports of serious issues for students. Please leave a comment detailing your experience with this year’s application.

There have also been no reports of serious issues with data received by universities and state agencies.

Feedback from an Approved FAFSA Beta Tester

Earlier this month, I spoke with Patrick Simon of the Citrus County Coalition for College and Careers, he reported that the majority of students were able to complete the application in fifteen minutes or less. Some independent students needed less time. This happened during phase #3 of beta testing.

Mr. Simon also confirmed that corrections and adjustments made by FSA to the application were from a list of suggestions provided by his students that was compiled during the previous FAFSA cycle.

This is all good news, especially considering where we were this time last year.

FAFSA Tip

Mr. Simon offered sound advice for first-time and returning FAFSA users.

  • Use your cellphone to keep a record of your username, password, and backup code
  • Take a screen capture of your SAI report.

Following this advice can save you time and frustration in the future.

Recent FAFSA Developments

In other news, the House passed the FAFSA Deadline Act that would require ED to release the FAFSA no later than October 1 each year.

There is a similar bill in the Senate but with a new administration taking office on January 20 and the Senate term ending on January 3, the outcome is uncertain.

We will keep you posted on new developments as they unfold.

VIDEO UPDATE 12/23/24

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