March Sky Notes

Consequently (and somewhat paradoxically) it is at this time of year, on nights where the Moon does not interfere, that astronomer’s attempt a considerable observing challenge. Known as a Messier Marathon, after the French astronomer Charles Messier, who compiled a list of “faint and fuzzy” objects which were not to be confused with the comets he was searching for, the challenge is to view as many of the 110 objects in the list, in a single night, as possible. I have taken part in a number of Marathons from the UK, from where some of the most Southerly objects barely rise above the horizon and only appear in the dawning light before sunrise, and the greatest number of objects I have achieved is 98.

We now know that these faint, fuzzy objects are a collection of gaseous nebulae, planetary nebulae, supernova remnants, galaxies and star clusters, all of which are worth observing and imaging in their own right. The Marathon only really allows for a “quick glimpse and tick it off the list” race against time but is still fun to do.

If the weather is good enough, members of the Torbay Astronomical Society will be at the observatory site on whichever one of the following dates proves possible: March 13th or 14th, or March 20th or 21st, with the second pair being the favourite as it is closest to the New Moon and there will be no moonlight to drown out the faint targets.

Although this is am all-night session, it is possible to “drop in” for just a short session and leave as one wishes. Arrangements to allow for access and yes/no decisions on the evening going ahead will be posted on the Society website and Facebook page.

Remember, this event will ONLY happen on ONE of the dates suggested above, and ONLY if the sky is mostly cloud-free.

Sky Notes

Sky Schedule

Please note all times given in this article are in GMT.

Sun: From the beginning to the end of March the hours of daylight increases from 11 to 13 hours. The Spring or Vernal Equinox (the day when night and day are of equal length) occurs on March 20. The clocks go forward by 1 hour to British Summer Time at 02.00am on March 30th.

Mercury:  On the first couple of evening in March, you may catch Mercury to the right of Venus and setting about 7pm, but it quickly sinks into the twilight glow and disappears.

Venus:  Is a brilliant Evening Star, low in the west after sunset like a lantern in the dusk twilight. It sets around 7:30pm.

Mars:  Too close to the Sun to be visible this month.

Jupiter:  Still lording it over the night-time sky, Jupiter blazes in Gemini, setting around 4 am.

Saturn: In Pisces and lies above Venus, a hundred time fainter and setting around 7:30pm. By mid-month, Saturn - like Mercury - has dropped down and out of sight into the Sun's glare.

Uranus: Lies in Taurus below the Pleiades and sets about midnight.

Neptune: Just to the right of Saturn, also in Pisces and setting about 7:30pm.

Meteor Shower:  There are no regular meteor showers this month. However stray or sporadic meteors can still be seen at any time. Some of these can be very bright.

Deep Sky: March is also the time of year when the greatest number of deep sky object – star clusters, nebulae and galaxies can be seen. Amateur astronomers often do an “all-nighter” observing session to see as many of the brighter “Messier” objects as they can in a single night. This is known as a Messier Marathon. (see main article)  

Moon: The Full Moon occurs on March 3rd with Last Quarter on 11th, New Moon then follows on 19th March and First Quarter on 25th.