11:48am Tuesday 2nd March 2010
THE phases of the Moon in March begin with a last quarter on March 7.
The new cycle begins with the New Moon on March 15. First quarter occurs on March 23 and the full Moon is then on March 30. The March full Moon in lore is known as the Seed Moon.
The Vernal or Spring Equinox occurs on March 20. This is one of only two days in the year when day and night are the same length.
It is also one of only two days in the year when the Sun rises due east and sets due west. On this day, the tilt of the Earth’s axis is such that we are neither leaning towards or away from the Sun.
British Summer Time begins on March 28.
Mercury is not visible this month. Venus is a brilliant object in the western sky during the early evening and can easily be seen before the sky darkens.
Mars is visible this month between the constellations of Cancer and Gemini. Officially, it lies in the former. Mars is already past its best but is still worth a look with a moderate telescope. The polar cap should be visible and it may be possible to see some of the dark markings.
Jupiter is no longer visible at this time. Saturn is visible in the south east against the background stars of Virgo. Saturn’s rings are now opening wider although they still seem almost edge-on. They can still be seen and are visible through even a small telescope.
On March 17, Saturn appears above the eastern horizon at 7pm just as Venus is reaching the opposite horizon and Mars lies almost exactly halfway between the two. Uranus and Neptune are no longer easily visible as they are moving closer to the Sun.
There are no major meteor showers this month but there is still always the chance of seeing a sporadic shooting star.
You can see the objects mentioned above, and find out more, with the Basingstoke Astronomical Society who have their next beginners meeting on March 11 and on March 25, when Adrian West, of the Newbury Astronomical Society, will be giving a talk entitled: “The Universe is Trying to Kill Us”.
Both meetings are at Cliddesden Primary School from 7pm.
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