March 2026 Astronomy Highlights

Spring Skies & more Aurora?

Spring has finally sprung, and temperatures (hopefully) will start to rise as we head into March and towards the Spring Equinox. March is an extremely exciting month with conjunctions, occultations and statistically more displays of the Aurora Borealis. Let’s look at what we have ahead of us in March.

Venus and Saturn Conjunction – 7th March

On March 7, 2026, Venus and Saturn will form a close conjunction in the sky immediately after sunset, creating a striking planetary pairing. Brilliant Venus will dominate the view, shining intensely, while golden Saturn appears nearby. The two planets will be visible to the naked eye, low in the eastern sky after sunset. Observers with binoculars will enjoy an even clearer separation between them. Neptune will also be visible near the two brighter planets, but it isn’t visible to the naked eye.

Stellarium

Full Worm Moon – March 14th

On March 14, the Full Worm Moon will rise brightly in the east and is named for early spring earthworms that appear as the ground thaws. This bright Full Moon is an excellent target for lunar observation with binoculars or a telescope, offering clear views of craters and maria as spring begins to unfold. I always recommend observing it as it rises the day before it’s full, on this day it rises in the beautiful purples and blues of the nightfall.

Dennis Ariel

Spring (Vernal) Equinox – March 20th

The spring equinox occurs on March 20, marking the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere (yaaaaaaaay). On this date, day and night are nearly equal in length. Equinoxes occur because Earth’s tilt aligns so the Sun crosses the celestial equator, reminding us of the changing seasons and the celestial mechanics behind them. It’s also a farewell to the long northern winter and a bright hello to the life-bringing spring.

EUMETSAT

Moon Occultation of Regulus in Leo – March 29th

The Moon will pass directly in front of Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo, in a cool lunar occultation. As the Moon moves along its orbit, Regulus will appear to suddenly disappear behind the lunar edge and later reappear on the opposite side. Regulus will hide behind the Moon at 19:00 UK time and reappear at 20:30. Binoculars or a small telescope will enhance the view, making this a fascinating demonstration of the Moon’s motion against the background stars.

Stellarium

Statistically more Aurora Borealis  – All Month

We see more northern lights around the spring equinox due to the Russell–McPherron effect. At this time of year, Earth’s magnetic field aligns more favourably with the Sun’s magnetic field carried by the solar wind. This improves the transfer of solar energy into Earth’s magnetosphere, increasing geomagnetic storms and auroral activity. It’s largely a matter of geometry; the equinox positioning makes magnetic reconnection events in the Earth’s magnetic field more likely, boosting the chances of brighter and more frequent aurora displays.

March 2026 provides a rich astronomical calendar: a luminous Full Moon, a planetary pairing, equinox vibes, and early seasonal phenomena. Dust off your observing gear, check the local weather, and enjoy the wonders of the night sky. Clear skies and happy stargazing!

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