Space

March's Celestial Events: Eclipses, Vanishing Rings And The Best Time For Auroras

March’s night sky will offer several celestial wonders, including a total lunar eclipse, Mercury at its best and a peaking meteor shower. Add in the equinox enhancing the activity of the northern lights and stargazers will have plenty to watch for.

5 Must-See Night Sky Events This March

March is a turning point for skywatchers and space enthusiasts, ushering in changing seasons and a lineup of impressive astronomical events. From a blood-red lunar eclipse to a rare phenomenon on Saturn, the universe will put on a show this month—if the weather cooperates.

The Equinox

On March 20, Earth reaches the equinox, where day and night both last 12 hours. In the Northern Hemisphere, this signals the beginning of spring, as the Southern Hemisphere welcomes fall. This cosmic balancing act happens as Earth’s 23.5° tilt positions the planet perfectly in front of the sun. Cultures worldwide have celebrated this moment for centuries, marking it as a time of renewal and transformation.

(MORE: Why Meteorologists Say Spring Starts Before The Equinox)

The Northern Lights

Statistically, March offers the year’s best chance to see the aurora borealis, partially because the equinox enhances geomagnetic activity during the month. The increased solar wind interaction with Earth’s magnetosphere can make auroras more frequent and vibrant. March can also offer slightly milder temperatures and more pleasant weather for skywatching, compared to harsh winter months, assuming clouds don’t ruin the show.

(MORE: Watch The Northern Lights Shimmer Over Alaska)

Other Important Dates

March 8: Mercury reaches peak visibility just after sunset. The planet is usually elusive, as it gets lost in the sun's glare most days.

March 13-14: A total lunar eclipse will set the moon ablaze in a deep red hue for more than an hour, visible across North and South America.

March 23: Every 15 years, Earth’s view of Saturn aligns edge-on, making the rings seemingly vanish.

March 29: A partial solar eclipse takes a cosmic “bite” out of the sun, though it will only be visible from limited locations.

(MORE: Don’t Miss March’s Total Lunar Eclipse)

With so many celestial wonders on display, March is a dream month for skywatchers. Whether you’re gazing at a glowing eclipse, chasing the northern lights, or marveling at Saturn’s disappearing act, one thing is certain - clear skies will be key!

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