March skywatching promises a celestial calendar packed with lunar marvels, planetary encounters and a slew of moon phases.
What to expect from skywatching in March 2024
As the Earth slowly transitions from the chill of winter to the budding warmth of spring, the night sky in March offers its own seasonal shift, bursting with astronomical events that beckon the eyes of enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
This month, the heavens are particularly generous, offering a series of celestial dances that include close pair-ups with the Moon, a subtle lunar eclipse, and a rare chance to catch a comet alongside the usual lunar phases.
The highlight of the month is undoubtedly the series of close encounters between the Moon and other celestial bodies.
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Jupiter, the gas giant, will blaze brilliantly in the western sky just after sunset for the entirety of March, offering a splendid sight that becomes even more spectacular on the night of Wednesday, 13 March 2024.
On this evening, a slender crescent Moon sidles up close enough to Jupiter for the duo to share a view through a single binocular frame—a cosmic rendezvous that promises to delight skywatchers.
Adding to the celestial spectacle, the Moon’s journey continues as it waltzes through the Pleiades star cluster on Thursday, 14 March 2024, weaving between the stars to create a dazzling tableau best viewed through binoculars.
The latter half of March turns the spotlight onto Mercury, offering Northern Hemisphere viewers the year’s best opportunity to observe this elusive planet.
Starting from 21 to 25 March, Mercury will make its appearance in the evening sky, shining brightly low in the west shortly after sunset—an event that requires no special equipment to enjoy.
Here is the timeline of moon phases in March 2024
- 10 March – The New moon marks the beginning of the lunar cycle, offering the perfect dark sky for stargazing and comet hunting.
- 13 March – A spectacular pairing of the Moon and Jupiter in the western sky post-sunset.
- 14 March – The crescent Moon dazzles as it moves through the Pleiades star cluster.
- 21-25 March – Mercury becomes visible in the evening sky, a treat for those looking to spot the innermost planet.
- 24-25 March – The Moon undergoes a penumbral lunar eclipse, resulting in a subtle dimming that may be noticeable to keen observers.
- 25 March – The Full moon coincides with the penumbral lunar eclipse, offering a unique viewing experience as the Moon passes through Earth’s outer shadow.
- All month – Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks approaches its closest to the Sun, potentially visible to the naked eye by late March or April.
