March is bringing plenty of reasons to look up at the night sky, from dazzling planetary pairings to a total lunar eclipse that will turn the Moon a deep shade of red.
Mercury makes a rare appearance, the Moon cozies up to Venus, Jupiter, and Mars, and the Sun crosses the celestial equator, marking the change of seasons.
And to top it all off, a partial solar eclipse will put on a show for millions. Here’s what’s happening and how to catch the best views.
7 Celestial Events to Light Up Your March Nights
March 1 – Moon and Venus Conjunction
The Moon and Venus will shine brightly together in the western sky just after sunset.
March 6 – Moon and Jupiter Conjunction
Look up after sunset to see Jupiter and the Moon close together in the constellation Taurus.
March 7 – Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation
One of the best chances to see Mercury as it reaches its greatest distance from the Sun in the evening sky.
March 8 – Moon and Mars Conjunction
The Moon and Mars will pair up in the night sky, creating a striking contrast.
March 14 – Total Lunar Eclipse
A total lunar eclipse will turn the Moon a deep red as it passes through Earth’s shadow.
March 20 – March Equinox
The Sun crosses the celestial equator, marking the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.
March 29 – Partial Solar Eclipse
The Moon will partially cover the Sun, creating a breathtaking solar eclipse visible across the Americas, western Russia, Europe, and Africa.
March 1st
Lunar and Venusian Conjunction
March kicks off with a stunning meetup of the Moon and Venus. On the evening of March 1st, these two bright objects will shine together in the constellation Pisces, offering a mesmerizing sight for skywatchers of all levels.
While they won’t be close enough to fit within a single telescope or binocular view, their brightness makes them easy to spot with the naked eye.
How to See the Moon-Venus Conjunction
Catching this conjunction is simple—just head outside shortly after sunset and look toward the western horizon.
- Look west after sunset. The Moon and Venus will be low in the sky, so a clear, unobstructed view away from buildings and trees will provide the best vantage point.
- Spot the thin crescent Moon. Just one day old, the Moon will appear as a sliver glowing in the evening sky.
- Find Venus, the “Evening Star.” Venus will shine brilliantly at magnitude -4.6, making it the brightest object in the sky after the Moon. Look for it above and slightly north of the Moon, separated by about 6 degrees and 23 minutes—roughly the width of three fingers held at arm’s length.
- Best viewing time. Try to observe within 30 to 60 minutes after sunset, before the pair sinks too low.
- Don’t wait too long! The Moon and Venus will be only 26 degrees from the Sun, making them visible shortly after sunset but setting within a couple of hours. Plan to observe early for the best view.
Celestial Coordinates
The Moon
- Right Ascension: 00h27m30s
- Declination: +4°04'
- Magnitude: -9.6
- Angular Size: 32'59"
Venus
- Right Ascension: 00h27m30s
- Declination: +10°27'
- Magnitude: -4.6
- Angular Size: 49"
Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
- Want to capture the moment? A DSLR or smartphone with a tripod will help you take clear, long-exposure shots. Adjust the manual settings to balance the brightness of the Moon and Venus for the best results.
- Find the right spot. Since both objects will be low in the sky, an open area like a hilltop or beach will provide an optimal view.
- No telescope? No problem! The Moon and Venus are too far apart to fit within a single telescope or binocular field of view, but they are easily visible to the naked eye.
- Stay a little longer. As the sky darkens, Venus will stand out even more, and you may even notice the Moon’s earthshine—a soft glow caused by sunlight reflecting off Earth's surface.
March 6th
Moon and Jupiter Conjunction
A few days after the Moon-Venus conjunction, another celestial pairing takes the spotlight. On March 6th, look up to see the Moon and Jupiter shining together in the night sky.
Both celestial bodies will be in the constellation Taurus, making them easy to locate. While they won’t be close enough to fit within a telescope or binocular field of view, their brightness makes them an excellent naked-eye target.
How to See the Moon-Jupiter Conjunction
This event is easy to observe—no telescope or special equipment is needed. Just step outside and look toward the eastern sky after sunset.
- Look east after sunset. The Moon and Jupiter will rise high in the sky, making them visible for most of the night. Unlike the earlier Moon-Venus conjunction, this pair stays up longer, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the view.
- Spot the Moon first. At six days old, the Moon will be in its waxing crescent phase, bright and easy to find with the naked eye. With a magnitude of -11.9, it will be the brightest object in the night sky.
- Find Jupiter nearby. At magnitude -2.3, Jupiter will appear slightly below and south of the Moon, separated by about 5 degrees and 33 minutes—just over the width of three fingers held at arm’s length. While Jupiter won’t be as bright as Venus, it still outshines every star in the night sky.
- Best time to view. Since the Moon and Jupiter will be 87 degrees away from the Sun, they will remain visible throughout the night, providing a long window of opportunity for observation.
Celestial Coordinates
The Moon
- Right Ascension: 04h43m50s
- Declination: +27°27'
- Magnitude: -11.9
- Angular Size: 31'55"
Jupiter
- Right Ascension: 04h43m50s
- Declination: +21°54'
- Magnitude: -2.3
- Angular Size: 38"
Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
- Take in the contrast. The Moon’s bright crescent will steal the show, but don’t overlook Jupiter’s steady glow. While it may look like a bright dot to the naked eye, a small telescope or steady binoculars can reveal its four largest moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.
- Observe the Moon’s surface. Since the Moon is six days old, it will display a waxing crescent phase. This is a great time to observe lunar craters and mountain ranges, as the sunlight casts long shadows along the terminator (the line between the lit and dark portions of the Moon), revealing stunning surface details.
- Enjoy the long viewing window. Unlike planetary conjunctions that occur near sunset, this event provides plenty of time for observation. Whether you head outside early in the evening or later at night, the view will be just as spectacular.
- Try astrophotography. The Moon and Jupiter make a great subject for night sky photography. Use a DSLR or smartphone with a tripod to capture the scene. If you have a telescope with a camera adapter, you may even be able to resolve Jupiter’s cloud bands and moons.
- Find a dark-sky location. While this event is visible even in light-polluted areas, heading to a darker site will enhance the contrast, making Jupiter stand out even more.
March 7th
Mercury's Greatest Eastern Elongation
Mercury is the most elusive of the five planets visible to the naked eye, often lost in the Sun’s glare. But on March 7th, it reaches its greatest eastern elongation, making this one of the best chances to spot it in the evening sky. At this time, Mercury will be at its furthest apparent distance from the Sun, shining at magnitude -0.4.
While Mercury reaches greatest elongation multiple times a year, not all of them are easy to observe. This March event provides a decent viewing window, especially for observers in the Southern Hemisphere.
How to See Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation
Unlike the Moon or Jupiter, Mercury never appears in a fully dark sky—it stays close to the Sun and is only visible during twilight. To catch it, follow these steps:
- Find a clear western horizon and look just after sunset. Mercury will be low in the sky, so an open landscape—like a beach, hilltop, or field—offers the best view.
- Time is key—start looking 30 to 45 minutes after sunset. After that, Mercury will quickly disappear below the horizon.
- Use Venus as a guide. If Venus is visible, Mercury will appear lower and slightly to the right. While Venus is much brighter, Mercury will be a steady, fainter light.
- Look for a small, unblinking point of light. Mercury won’t twinkle like stars. If you're struggling to spot it, binoculars can help bring it into view.
Celestial Coordinates
Mercury
- Right Ascension: 00h17m20s
- Declination: +3°53'
- Constellation: Pisces
- Magnitude: -0.4
- Angular Size: 7.3"
For reference, the Sun will be located at:
- Right Ascension: 23h13m
- Declination: -4°59' (in Aquarius)
Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
- Choose a location with an unobstructed western horizon. Mercury sets quickly, so an elevated spot away from city buildings and trees will provide the best chance to see it.
- Use binoculars for a better view. Mercury is small and can blend into the twilight, but a pair of binoculars will help make it stand out.
- Check the weather forecast. Even thin clouds or haze near the horizon can obscure Mercury, so a clear evening sky is essential.
- Observe on multiple evenings. Mercury will fade rapidly after elongation as it moves toward inferior conjunction, so the best time to see it is in the days leading up to March 7 rather than after.
- Try for a crescent Mercury! As Mercury approaches inferior conjunction, it will appear as a thin, barely illuminated crescent—a stunning sight in a telescope if you catch it at the right moment.
March 8th
Lunar-Mars Conjunction
On the night of March 8th, the Moon and Mars will meet in the night sky, creating a stunning conjunction in the constellation Gemini. With the Moon’s brilliant glow and Mars’ distinctive red hue, this pairing will be an easy and rewarding sight.
The waxing gibbous Moon, nine days old, will shine at magnitude -12.3, while Mars, at magnitude -0.1, will appear as a bright reddish-orange companion nearby. Although they will be too widely separated to fit within a telescope’s field of view, they will still make for an eye-catching naked-eye event, with binoculars enhancing the experience.
How to See the Moon-Mars Conjunction
Observing this event is simple—just step outside after sunset and look toward the eastern sky. Here’s how to locate the conjunction:
- Start your search in the eastern sky after sunset. The Moon and Mars will rise high above the horizon as the evening progresses, making them easy to spot.
- Locate the Moon first. The waxing gibbous Moon will be bright and impossible to miss. At this phase, the Moon is an excellent target for observing lunar craters and mountain ranges, as the shadows along the terminator(the line between the illuminated and dark portions of the Moon) create striking contrast.
- Find Mars just below the Moon. Mars will appear about 1 degree and 40 minutes south, or roughly two finger-widths at arm’s length. Its reddish-orange color makes it stand out against the night sky.
- Enjoy an extended viewing window. With the Moon and Mars positioned 118° away from the Sun, they will remain visible throughout most of the night, making this an easy event to catch.
Celestial Coordinates
The Moon
- Right Ascension: 07h18m20s
- Declination: +27°12'
- Constellation: Gemini
- Magnitude: -12.3
- Angular Size: 31'02"
Mars
- Right Ascension: 07h18m20s
- Declination: +25°32'
- Constellation: Gemini
- Magnitude: -0.1
- Angular Size: 10"
Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
- Use binoculars for a closer look. While the Moon and Mars won’t fit in a telescope’s field of view together, binoculars will enhance the contrast between the Moon’s craters and Mars’ reddish hue.
- Enjoy the color contrast. The bright white Moon will provide a beautiful contrast to Mars’ deep orange-red glow, making this one of the most visually striking pairings of the month.
- Try astrophotography. A DSLR or smartphone with a tripod will allow you to capture long-exposure shots. If you use a camera with manual settings, adjust the exposure to prevent the Moon’s brightness from overpowering Mars.
- Find a dark-sky location. While the event is visible even from urban areas, heading to a darker site will make Mars stand out even more.
- Observe throughout the night. Unlike some planetary conjunctions that occur near sunrise or sunset, this one offers a long viewing window, making it accessible for both early and late-night observers.
March 14th
Total Lunar Eclipse
On March 14th, the night sky will showcase one of its most awe-inspiring sights—a total lunar eclipse. This celestial event will be visible across the Americas, Antarctica, Alaska, northeastern Russia, and Africa, offering millions the chance to see the Moon transform into a deep red 'Blood Moon' as it passes through Earth’s shadow.
This total lunar eclipse will be a must-see event for skywatchers, requiring no special equipment—just a clear sky and a good vantage point.
What is a Total Lunar Eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, with Earth positioned between the two. This causes the Earth’s shadow to be cast onto the Moon, temporarily blocking direct sunlight.
Lunar eclipses don’t happen every Full Moon because the Moon’s orbit is tilted by about 5 degrees relative to Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Most months, the Moon passes slightly above or below Earth’s shadow, avoiding an eclipse. A total lunar eclipse only happens when a Full Moon crosses the plane of Earth’s orbit, an event that occurs roughly twice a year.
Instead of disappearing completely, the Moon glows a reddish-orange hue—often called a “Blood Moon”—as Earth’s atmosphere bends and filters sunlight, scattering shorter blue wavelengths and allowing only red and orange hues to reach the lunar surface.
How the Eclipse Unfolds
The eclipse occurs in six distinct phases:
- Penumbral Eclipse Begins: The Moon enters Earth’s outer shadow (penumbra), causing a subtle dimming that may not be immediately noticeable.
- Partial Eclipse Begins: The Moon moves into the darkest part of Earth’s shadow (umbra), and a distinct dark curve begins sweeping across its surface.
- Total Eclipse Begins: The Moon is completely covered by the umbra, taking on a reddish hue—the most breathtaking phase.
- Total Eclipse Ends: The Moon starts to re-emerge, gradually brightening.
- Partial Eclipse Ends: The dark shadow fully recedes, leaving behind a faint penumbral shadow.
- Penumbral Eclipse Ends: The Moon returns to its normal brightness.
Eclipse Timing (UTC)
For those planning to watch, here’s the approximate timeline of the eclipse:
- Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 03:57 UTC
- Partial Eclipse Begins: 05:09 UTC
- Total Eclipse Begins (Blood Moon Phase): 06:26 UTC
- Greatest Eclipse (Mid-Eclipse): 06:58 UTC
- Total Eclipse Ends: 07:31 UTC
- Partial Eclipse Ends: 08:47 UTC
- Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 10:00 UTC
(Convert these times to your local timezone to plan your viewing!)
Totality—the period when the Moon is fully inside Earth’s shadow—will last approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, providing ample time for observation and photography.
Unlike a solar eclipse, which requires protective eyewear, lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope.
How to Watch the Total Lunar Eclipse
Observing this eclipse is easy—if the Moon is above the horizon in your location, you’ll be able to see it.
- Check visibility for your location. This eclipse will be seen across the Americas, Antarctica, Alaska, northeastern Russia, and Africa. If you’re in one of these regions with clear skies, you’ll have a great view.
- Choose a dark viewing spot. Although the Moon will be bright enough to see from anywhere, a location away from city lights will enhance contrast and detail.
- Time your viewing around totality. The most stunning part of the eclipse happens during totality, when the Moon glows red. This phase lasts over an hour, so you have plenty of time to observe.
- Use binoculars for extra detail. While you don’t need special equipment, binoculars or a telescope will reveal stunning details of the Moon’s craters and surface texture during totality.
- Capture the Blood Moon. A DSLR or smartphone with manual settings works best. Use a tripod to avoid blur, and adjust exposure settings to balance the Moon’s brightness.
Celestial Coordinates
Here are the Moon’s coordinates at the midpoint of the eclipse:
- Right Ascension: 11h36m
- Declination: +2°50'
- Constellation: Leo
- Angular Size: 29'44"
This eclipse is part of Saros Series 123, a cycle of lunar eclipses that repeats every 18 years, 11 days. Each eclipse in a Saros series shares a similar geometry, meaning the Moon passes through roughly the same part of Earth’s shadow each time. The last eclipse in this series occurred in 2007, and the next will take place in 2043.
March 20th
The March Equinox
On March 20th, the March equinox marks a moment of cosmic balance—one of only two days each year when day and night are nearly equal worldwide. As the Sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north, it signals the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.
What is the March Equinox?
The term equinox comes from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night), reflecting the fact that on this day, nearly every location on Earth experiences approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.
But, daylight is not exactly 12 hours everywhere. Due to atmospheric refraction, the Sun appears slightly above the horizon even when it has technically set. This means most places actually experience a few extra minutes of daylight on the equinox.
The March equinox also brings dramatic changes to the polar regions:
- At the North Pole, it marks the beginning of six months of continuous daylight—the long Arctic day begins!
- At the South Pole, it signals the start of six months of darkness as the Antarctic winter sets in.
During the March equinox:
- The Sun rises exactly due east and sets exactly due west for all observers on Earth.
- Daylight increases in the Northern Hemisphere and decreases in the Southern Hemisphere.
- The Sun appears directly overhead at solar noon along the equator.
Why Do Equinoxes Happen?
Equinoxes occur because Earth is tilted 23.5° on its axis. As the planet orbits the Sun, this tilt remains fixed, but our view of the Sun shifts throughout the year.
During an equinox, neither hemisphere tilts toward or away from the Sun, creating nearly equal day and night across the globe.
This cycle is responsible for the four seasons:
- June Solstice: The Northern Hemisphere tilts toward the Sun → Summer in the North, Winter in the South.
- December Solstice: The Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the Sun → Winter in the North, Summer in the South.
- March & September Equinoxes: Neither hemisphere tilts toward or away → Equal day and night worldwide.
After the March equinox:
- The Northern Hemisphere gains daylight as the Sun climbs higher each day, leading to the June solstice.
- The Southern Hemisphere loses daylight, transitioning toward winter.
Celestial Coordinates
At the moment of the March 2025 equinox, the Sun’s celestial coordinates will be:
- Right Ascension: 23h58m
- Declination: 0°08'S
- Constellation: Pisces
- Angular Size: 32'07"
The exact moment of the equinox occurs at 08:01 UTC on March 20, 2025. Depending on your time zone, this may fall on March 19 or 20 in local time.
These coordinates mark the exact moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator, defining the shift in seasons.
The equinox also defines the zero point of right ascension, a crucial reference in astronomical coordinate systems. However, due to Earth’s slow wobble (precession), this point shifts slightly each year.
March 29th
Partial Solar Eclipse
On March 29th, the sky will put on a stunning show as the Moon partially covers the Sun, creating a breathtaking partial solar eclipse. Visible across parts of the Americas, western Russia, Europe, and Africa, this celestial event will offer observers the chance to see the Sun’s light gradually dim as the Moon takes a bite out of its disk.
This event won’t bring total darkness, but in some locations, up to 92% of the Sun will be obscured, making it an exciting sight for safe solar viewing.
What is a Partial Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves directly between Earth and the Sun, blocking part (or all) of the Sun’s light. In a partial eclipse, the alignment isn’t perfect, so only a portion of the Sun appears covered, creating a unique crescent shape in the sky.
During this eclipse:
- The maximum Sun coverage (92%) will be seen from the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Europe.
- The eclipse will be visible between 08:51 and 12:43 UTC.
- The moment of greatest eclipse occurs at 10:47 UTC, when the largest portion of the Sun’s disk will be covered.
- No location on Earth will experience totality, as the perfect alignment needed for a total solar eclipse does not occur.
Celestial Coordinates
Here are the precise celestial coordinates of the Sun’s center at the peak of the eclipse:
- Right Ascension: 00h31m
- Declination: +3°25'
- Constellation: Pisces
- Angular Size: 32'02"
This eclipse is part of Saros Series 149, a repeating cycle of eclipses that occurs every 18 years, 11 days. Each eclipse in this series shares a similar geometry due to the predictable motion of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. The last eclipse in this series happened in 2007, and the next will occur in 2043.
How to Watch the Partial Solar Eclipse
- Find out your local eclipse timing. The event will occur between 08:51 and 12:43 UTC, but the exact times vary by location. Use an eclipse calculator (like those from Time and Date) to check when it will be visible in your area.
- Choose a location with a clear view of the sky. The Sun will be high enough for easy observation, so find a spot with an unobstructed view.
- Have your eclipse glasses ready! Even a partially eclipsed Sun is dangerously bright, so proper eye protection is essential (more on that below).
- Watch for changes in light and temperature. As the Moon covers part of the Sun, you might notice a drop in temperature and a dimming of daylight, creating an eerie, twilight-like effect—especially in regions experiencing over 80% coverage.
⚠️ Important Safety Tips for Viewing the Eclipse
Looking directly at the Sun without proper protection can cause permanent eye damage within seconds. Follow these safe viewing methods to protect your eyesight:
- Use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses. These special glasses block harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. Regular sunglasses are NOT safe!
- Use a telescope or binoculars ONLY with a certified solar filter. Never look at the Sun through an unfiltered optical device, as this can cause instant, irreversible blindness.
- Attend a public eclipse viewing event. Local astronomy clubs, observatories, and planetariums often host events with professional solar telescopes, allowing you to experience the eclipse safely.
What NOT to Use:
- Homemade filters or stacked sunglasses → These DO NOT block infrared and UV radiation.
- Camera lenses, binoculars, or telescopes WITHOUT solar filters → Even a brief glance can cause permanent eye damage.
Common Misconceptions About Solar Eclipses
-
"It’s just a partial eclipse, so it’s not that special."
→ Even though it’s not total, a deep partial eclipse can dramatically dim daylight, creating an eerie effect in the sky. It’s still a rare and fascinating event to experience! -
"I can watch the eclipse with sunglasses."
→ Regular sunglasses DO NOT protect your eyes from solar radiation. Always use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses or indirect viewing methods. -
"The Sun isn’t fully covered, so it’s safe to look at briefly."
→ Even at 92% coverage, enough sunlight remains to cause serious eye damage. Use proper filters or projection methods for safe viewing!