Astronomy Guide March 2022
Dear Stargazer Friends,
I hope you have been well. In February I had the chance to spend a few days in the Swiss Alps. Luckily, there was one clear night, a great occasion to observe the sky and take pictures. The difference in the seeing between a clear night where I live and a clear night at an altitude of 2’000 m was just striking. Not only could I see more stars and other celestial objects, I could see them much more clearly. On the pictures I took with my DSLR there wasn’t a trace of the usual light pollution we have down here.
In the Northern Hemisphere, Spring is just around the corner with Vernal Equinox on 20 March 2022 at 1533 UTC (beginning of Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere).
The “winter constellations” are still visible in the first part of the night in the West. But March is the ideal time to observe the constellations of Cancer and Leo. And you may have noticed over the past few nights that Red Giant Star Arcturus – in the constellation of Boötes – is visible again later in the evening low above the horizon in the East. Watch out for Spica in the constellation of Virgo (SE) and Vega in the constellation of Lyra around midnight (NE).
As far as astrophotography is concerned, it’s time again for Messier 49 (cluster of galaxies in the constellations of Virgo & Coma Berenices), and the Coma Cluster (in Coma Berenices). And of course, for the Leo Triplet (M66 Group) and many more beautiful dark sky objects.
Towards the end of March and depending on your horizon, watch out for Mars, Venus, Saturn and the Waxing Crescent Moon at dawn (SE).
While I’m writing these lines, a war has broken out in Europe. At the moment, the outlook is quite grim. But we must keep strong and confident. And we can always look at the night sky and hopefully get some comfort from looking at that vast universe we are part of.
Stay safe & Clear Skies!
Best,
Isa
For more details visit my website.
The Leo Triplet (Messier 66 Group) - Picture by Isabel Streit 2022
Moon phases March
Times are local time for Bern, Switzerland
New Moon: 02 March, 18:35
First Quarter: 10 March, 11:45
Full Moon: 18 March, 08:17 (Lenten Moon)
Third Quarter: 25 March, 06:37
Ursa Major - Picture by Isabel Streit 2022
Meteor Showers
Nothing special to expect in March. Next show will be the Lyrids starting in mid-April.
Planets
Mercury is currently unobservable from Switzerland.
Venus is very well visible at dawn (SE).
Mars remains difficult to observe throughout March. On 12 March, Venus will occur 4° N of Mars.
Jupiter is currently unobservable - until end of April when it becomes a morning object in the constellation of Pisces.
Saturn is currently in the constellation of Capricornus and remains unobservable until at least end of March/mid-April.
Uranus is visible until around 23 March in the Constellation of Aries (first part of the night).
Neptune is not visible in March.
Phenomena not to miss in March
Deep Sky Objects to observe in Spring: Virgo Cluster of Galaxies in Virgo; Leo Triplet (M66, M65 & NGC 3628), Coma Cluster in Coma Berenices, Messier 35, an Open Star Cluster in the constellation of Gemini
07/08:Pleiades N of Waxing Crescent Moon – early evening
16: Venus 3.9°N of Mars at 05:00
20: Vernal Equinox at 16:33 CET
23: Venus and Mars appear close at dawn, S/SE
28: Mars 4.1°N of Moon at dawn – together with Venus, depending on your horizon, a trio that will be observable until 5 April
29: Venus & Saturn conjunction at 2° at dawn
For more details visit my website.