Plan Your Stargazing Nights: 6 Unmissable Astronomical Events Happening in March 2024
Categories: Education
For stargazers, March evenings have a certain allure. The chilly grip of winter starts to fade, revealing longer nights ideal for taking in the sights of the stars. The night sky changes slightly as the spring equinox draws near, revealing new constellations and celestial objects. These 6 incredible astronomical phenomena in March 2024 are not to be missed if you're itching to train your telescope or just kick back and admire the universe:
1. The March Equinox (March 19th):
Autumn begins in the Southern Hemisphere and spring in the Northern Hemisphere with this astronomical event. Since the Sun crosses the celestial equator on this day, day and night have about equal lengths. Skywatchers have a rare opportunity with this event. Seek out constellations that correspond to the varying seasons. In the Northern Hemisphere, spring constellations like Leo and Virgo start to overrule winter constellations like Orion and Taurus.
2. The Pisces Full Moon (March 2nd):
March 2nd marks the appearance of the Worm Moon, the first full moon of the month. Native American tribes have historically given names to full moons depending on seasonal events. The season known as the Worm Moon is named after the period of the year when the earth thaws and earthworms start to surface. A full moon that shines brightly can make it difficult to see lesser stars, but it can also be a stunning sight in and of itself, giving the surrounding area a silvery light.
3. The Canis Majorid Meteor Shower (March 5th-14th):
Skywatchers may be able to spot a few faint meteors dart over the constellation Canis Major, the Greater Dog, at the peak of this small meteor shower, which occurs around March 8. At their height, the Canis Majorids produced just approximately 5 meteors per hour, indicating their lack of prolificity. This year's shower does, however, align with a new moon, which reduces moonlight interference and should provide better viewing circumstances for these elusive meteors.
4. The Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter (March 1st):
Those who have a clear view of the western horizon on March 1st evening can see a stunning planetary conjunction. Jupiter, the massive gas planet, and Venus, the brilliant evening star, will be seen in the sky fairly near to one another. The two brightest planets in our solar system will be close enough to be seen together with binoculars or a small telescope, even though they won't be in direct line of sight.
5. The Virgo Galaxy Cluster (Throughout March):
Throughout March, the Virgo Galaxy Cluster is a spectacular target for stargazers with access to darker skies. One of the biggest clusters of galaxies close to our Milky Way is the Virgo Cluster, which is situated roughly 50 million light-years from Earth. Even though the individual galaxies in the cluster are too weak to be seen with the naked eye, seasoned telescope users may be able to make out a dim, fuzzy patch of light that indicates the presence of this enormous group of celestial neighbors.
6. The Aurora Borealis (Potential Throughout March):
The best time to see the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, is in March, especially when they're closer to the equinox. An increase in the frequency and intensity of auroral displays can result from the increased solar activity linked to the solar cycle peak, which is approaching in 2024. Make sure to keep an eye out for aurora alerts on space weather forecasts if you live in a higher latitude or are considering a journey north. Views of the northern horizon and dark skies are essential for identifying the captivating dance of multicolored lights in the night sky.
Tips for Successful Stargazing in March:
•Find a dark location: The light pollution from towns makes it much harder to observe smaller celestial objects. For best viewing, try to find a place where there isn't much light pollution.
•Dress warmly: March nights can still be chilly, especially at higher latitudes. Dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout your stargazing session.
•Allow your eyes to adjust to darkness: Your eyes need twenty to thirty minutes to properly acclimate to the dark. Before stargazing, avoid using bright lights or staring at the screen of your phone for at least thirty minutes.
•Use a star chart or app: A star chart or mobile astronomy app can help you identify constellations, stars, and planets in the night sky.
•Consider using binoculars or a telescope: Even though you can see many celestial beauties with your unaided eyes, using binoculars or a telescope might help you see fainter objects and details during your stargazing session.
A wide variety of astronomical events are available in March for skywatchers of all skill levels. From the brief sight of a meteor to the breathtaking grandeur of planetary conjunctions and full moons.