Astronomy Events for March 2021 [What's in the Sky]

March is a great month for planetary viewing and imaging because there is so much happening in the night sky including the start of galaxy season! Whether you are a beginner observing the night sky without a telescope or an amateur astrophotographer, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the night sky this month. Check out these events below.

If you're posting your images on social media, make sure to use the hashtag #OPTeam for a chance to be featured on ourInstagrampage!

Planets and Moon Phases

March 5 - Mercury and Jupiter Conjunction

Jupiter and Mars will share the same right ascension right before sunrise. This astronomical event will be visible with the naked eye!

March 6 - Mercury at Greatest Elongation

This is the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky. Look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise.

March 13 - New Moon

An ideal night for viewing or imaging, you may not have to travel far to get dark skies on this night. Plan on viewing galaxies and star clusters.

March 15 - Venus

Venus will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the bright planet in the western sky after sunset.

March 28 - Full Moon

This Full Moon was known to some early Native Americans as the “Full Worm Moon” because the ground would begin to soften and the earthworms would reappear.

Deep Space Northern Hemisphere Constellations

Cancer

• Messier 44: Beehive Cluster

• Messier 67

Ursa Major

• Messier 101: Pinwheel Galaxy

• Messier 82: Cigar Galaxy

• Messier 97: Owl Nebula

Canes Venatici

• M63: Sunflower Galaxy

• NGC 4631: Whale Galaxy

• M51: Whirlpool Galaxy

Deep Space Southern Hemisphere Constellations

Carina

• Canopus

• IC 2602: Theta Carinae Cluster

• NGC 3532: Wishing Well Cluster

Volans

• Lindsay-Shapley Ring (AM 0644-741)

• NGC 2442 and NGC 2443: Meathook Galaxy

Vela

• NGC 3132: Eight-Burst Nebula

• Gum Nebula (Gum 12)

• NGC 2736: Pencil Nebula

Curious what events are happening the rest of 2021? Check out our astronomy events 2021 calendar!

Clear skies! 🔭✨