The month of March will see conjunctions between the planets and the Moon, autumnal equinox and comets that may become visible
The month of March offers some interesting planetary conjunctions, but the highlight is the comets 12P/Pons-Brooks and C/2021 S3 (PanSTARRS). Although they are difficult to see with the naked eye, comets are unpredictable and can always surprise us.
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Additionally, it is the month of the Equinox, which marks the beginning of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere and spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Discover the March events.
March astronomical events
Comet C/2021 S3 (PanSTARRS) (14/03)
A comet is about to come closest to Earth: C/2021 S3 (PanSTARRS). The bad news is that its magnitude is predicted to be 10, meaning it is too faint to be visible to the naked eye. Therefore, it can only be observed with the help of binoculars or telescopes. The good news is that comets are unpredictable and can exceed expectations and become really bright in the sky.
The time to try to observe it is from 3:00, but the best time will be between 5:30 and 6:00, when it is well above the horizon. Considering the unpredictability of comets, it is also worth paying attention to the news of the next few days and looking for them in the days before and after, at the same times.
Approach between Mars, Moon and Jupiter (08/03)
Around 5:00, Mars will be slightly above the Moon, Venus just below, forming a scalene triangle. Because of the time objects appear above the horizon, the pre-dawn observation window will be about an hour long and will look in the same direction as our star “wakes up” to start the day.
Conjunction between Moon and Jupiter (03/13)
Just after sunset, around 7pm, look for the crescent moon in the sky. Just above will be Jupiter, a planet bright enough to appear even before night darkness takes over the sky. Furthermore, when everything is dark, the Pleiades will be nearby, although their visibility is affected by light pollution, depending on the region.
Autumn Equinox (03/20)
The autumnal equinox in 2024 occurs on March 20 at 0:06 Brasilia time, signaling the arrival of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere and the beginning of autumn spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
Conjunction between Venus and Saturn (21 and 22/03)
In this conjunction the two planets will be very close to each other. It will happen on March 21, an hour before sunrise, very close to the horizon. If you miss the event you will still be able to see it the next day, the 22nd, at the same time. Ah, Mars will also be in the field of view, a little above the conjunction.
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks (31/03)
At the end of the month the highlight will be the comet 12P/Pons-BrooksAlso known as nicknames “Devil’s Comet” and “Millennium Falcon” due to the format it acquires during its cryovolcanic eruptions.
Expectations for the comet to become visible to the naked eye are for the month of April, when it will reach perihelion (the closest point to our star). Even so, it is predicted that it could be observable as early as March 31, but there is a problem: in the southern hemisphere it would only be visible after sunset until 7.30pm.
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Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
