Uranus Near 14 Tau: Sky Guide for March 25

Uranus is currently positioned a few arcminutes south of the star 14 Tauri, offering a relatively easy opportunity for observation, according to astronomy experts.

The alignment, visible as of December 13, 2025, allows observers to locate the distant ice giant using binoculars or a telescope. Uranus appears as a grayish, “flat” star compared to its brighter, point-like stellar companions, 13 and 14 Tauri. The three celestial bodies form a small right triangle, with Uranus and 13 Tauri forming the hypotenuse.

Astronomers suggest starting observations at the Pleiades star cluster and scanning 4.5 degrees south-southwest to find the pair of 6th-magnitude stars, 13 and 14 Tauri. Uranus is located 7 arcminutes south of 14 Tauri. The planet is already more than 50 degrees high in the east by 8 P.M. Local time.

The Geminid meteor shower is also peaking around the same time, offering a separate celestial event for skywatchers. The shower is expected to produce over 100 meteors per hour at its peak, though observers may see fewer due to the waning crescent moon.

Sunrise on December 13, 2025, occurred at 7:14 A.M., with sunset at 4:35 P.M. Moonrise was at 1:14 A.M. And moonset at 12:48 P.M. The moon was 28% illuminated at 10 P.M. Local time, as measured from 40° N 90° W.

On March 13, 2026, observers can also test their eyesight by attempting to discern the double star Alcor and Mizar in the Big Dipper’s handle. The brighter star, Mizar, is easily visible, while the fainter Alcor, located 12’ to its northeast, requires more careful observation or the use of optical aid.