March Stargazing: Top Celestial Highlights

As we enter March, the days begin to lengthen, offering more opportunities to catch some spectacular sights in the night sky. Whether you’re new to stargazing or a seasoned pro, this month brings a variety of celestial events to enjoy—just find a clear, dark spot and look up!

Planetary Alignment

On February 28, 2025, skywatchers were treated to a rare celestial event as seven planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—aligned in the night sky. This remarkable planetary parade, the last of its kind until 2040, offered a stunning display just after sunset.

While the peak alignment has passed, several planets remain visible in the evening sky throughout March. Venus and Jupiter continue to shine brightly shortly after sunset, easily visible to the naked eye. Mars is also observable, though it appears dimmer as the month progresses. For those with access to telescopes or binoculars, Uranus and Neptune can still be spotted, though they require clear skies and minimal light pollution.

To enhance your stargazing experience, seek out locations with dark skies away from urban light sources. Remember, the next opportunity to witness such a planetary alignment won’t occur until 2040, so take advantage of the current visibility to observe these celestial neighbours.

The Worm Moon

The full moon in March is known as the Worm Moon, set to reach its peak on the 25th. Named after the earthworms that begin to surface as the ground warms, this moon will be a bright, captivating sight in the sky. March’s full moon also heralds the arrival of spring, a perfect opportunity for a night under the stars.

The Spring Equinox

March 20th marks the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, with the Spring Equinox. Day and night are roughly equal in length, making this a great time to observe the changing sky. The Sun will cross the celestial equator, making for some stunning sunrises and sunsets, especially when viewed from elevated or open locations.

Virgo and the Spring Constellations

With the arrival of spring, the constellations of the zodiac sign Virgo will become more prominent in the evening sky. Look for the bright star Spica, which marks the heart of the Virgin. Nearby, you can also spot the faint but beautiful constellation Coma Berenices, home to several star clusters.

The Zodiacal Light

The Zodiacal Light continues into March, especially around the first week. This faint, triangular glow is caused by sunlight reflecting off space dust and can be seen just after sunset or before dawn in the western sky. If you’ve never seen it before, it’s a rare and fascinating phenomenon best viewed from a dark-sky location.

Planets on Display

• Jupiter remains visible in the evening sky, shining brightly in the west after sunset

• Saturn can still be spotted in the western sky but sets earlier in the evening.

• Venus continues to be a stunning morning star, rising well before dawn, visible in the eastern sky.

• Mars is visible in the early morning, low in the eastern sky, before sunrise.

The Lyrid Meteor Shower

While the Lyrid meteor shower won’t peak until mid-April, you may begin to spot a few meteors streaking across the sky towards the end of March. It’s a great time to prepare for the full show next month!