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Each month I highlight a number of objects you can spot with the naked eye. So here we go for March 2022!
PLANETS
There are some great opportunities to spot planets this month with the naked eye.
Venus
Venus is low in the sky rising early morning. (Do not use optical equipment given it is so close to the sun.)
Look in a south - easterly direction and you will see the planet blazing away low in the sky!
Note that it will become increasingly difficult to see it later in the month as it steadily loses altitude - so get out there early morning as soon as you can - you can't miss the Earth's twin!
VENUS MARS and SATURN- mid month
Courtesy of Stellarium
Mars
The red planet will appear close to Venus as the month wears on as Mars will hold its altitude as Venus loses its height. The pair are closest together mid month - only four degrees apart.
Saturn
The later in the month the better for Saturn - and you will see it close to Venus in the pre-dawn sky. You will need to find a place with a low horizon to get a view of this beautiful planet. A pair of binoculars may come in handy - but always be cautious of the sun.
On the 28th of March they'll be an old crescent moon scraping the horizon joining the party so that's worth a look.
Thin crescent Moon on the 28th
Courtesy of Stellarium
Jupiter
Sorry I'm not around this month folks!
The Moon
Ever wondered about the phases and what they are? This should help:
THE CHALLENGE - the Constellation of Leo
Leo
Courtesy of Stellarium
See if you are able to spot the constellation of Leo this month. Locate in the south eastern sky.
The above illustration is mid evening, mid month and in this example which is the 18th March the Moon is in Leo making it even easier to spot!
The best way to locate is to look for the main asterism of Leo which is a backward-looking question mark. Good luck!
Enjoy the night sky this month and let me know about your observations
Thank you for reading this blog and do let me know if there is anything you would like me to add to my Newsletter each month.