We’re excited to announce the release of our 2025 Milky Way Core Visibility Calendar, calibrated explicitly for Moab, Utah. This comprehensive calendar is designed to help photographers and stargazers plan their Milky Way photography sessions precisely and confidently. Note: While the times for visibility are specifically for the Moab area, the dates and moon phases will be accurate for the northern hemisphere. You can use our Milky Way Planner to plan for specific locations.
What’s Included
The calendar provides detailed information for each visible night throughout 2025, including:
- Exact visibility windows for the Milky Way core
- Moon phases and moon rise/set times
- Duration of optimal shooting conditions
- Quality ratings from “Poor” to “Excellent.”
Understanding the Ratings
Our visibility ratings are based on several key factors:
- Excellent (3+ hours): Prime shooting conditions with extended dark sky periods
- Good (2-3 hours): Very favorable conditions for Milky Way photography
- Fair (1-2 hours): Limited but workable shooting windows
- Poor (<1 hour): Challenging conditions with brief viewing opportunities
Best Times for 2025
Based on our calculations, the best periods for Milky Way photography during 2025 will be:
- March 24-31: Extended viewing windows with excellent dark sky conditions
- April 1-4: Peak spring viewing with 3+ hours of visibility
- September 14-22: Ideal fall viewing opportunities
Planning Your Shot
While the calendar provides precise timing, remember to:
- Check local weather forecasts before heading out
- Scout your location during daylight hours
- Allow time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness
- Consider seasonal access to your chosen location
Location Specific
This calendar is calculated specifically for Moab, Utah (38.5733°N, 109.5498°W). We recommend using our Milky Way Planner tool to generate location-specific predictions for other locations.
Start Planning Now
Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiastic amateur, this calendar will help you capture the magic of the Milky Way core throughout 2025. View the full calendar and start planning your perfect shot.
Note: While we strive for accuracy in our predictions, viewing conditions may vary due to weather, atmospheric conditions, and local light pollution.