Sky Diary

The Moon is often taken for granted as it appears regularly at different phases as it orbits Earth. With one side permanently facing Earth, its face shows the violent history of our solar system with craters and flat basaltic basins. Even through a small telescope the great variation of lunar landscape becomes apparent and there is no better time to see these features than during March. The inclination of the Moon’s orbit together with the tilt of the Earth’s axis means that in spring the Moon is highest in the sky near to first quarter at a civilised time of the evening. At first quarter on the 25th March the Moon is at an elevation of 61º at 6pm and the terminator, the dividing line between light and dark, runs from north, through Mare Imbrium, the Apennine Mountains then southwards to the heavily cratered southern hemisphere. A small telescope will reveal all of these features, and if you can gain access to one, spend some time exploring the ancient craters, mountains and flatter maria. Return two days later on the 27th to see the impressive crater, Copernicus, emerging from shadow slightly north of the lunar equator together with the giant crater Clavius, nearer to the south pole. The Moon is a fascinating study at any time, but especially at this time of year.

Try not to miss looking at Jupiter during March as it is so well placed at a high elevation in the south mid-evening. A pair of binoculars will show the four Galilean satellites and a small telescope will reveal the cloud bands drawn out by the rapid rotation of Jupiter. If seeing conditions are good, you may also see the Great Red Spot, a huge oval storm area best seen at about 8pm on the following dates: 1st, 6th, 13th, 18th, 25th and 30th March.

With the winter constellations gradually moving westwards, Gemini, in which Jupiter currently lies, is the most recognisable constellation in the south. Following Gemini there is an area of sky devoid of bright stars until we note Leo towards the south-east with the bright star Arcturus low in the east.

Unfortunately we will miss out on the total lunar eclipse which takes place on 3rd March and which will be seen in Russia, Asia, Australia and America.

After a very overcast January and February we can only hope for some clear nights during March as this is the month when any auroral activity is enhanced by the tilt of the Sun’s axis. It is worth checking the northern sky during this month.

March 20th at 2.45pm marks the spring equinox, and this date is taken as the first day of astronomical spring in the UK. At the spring equinox the Sun crosses the equator moving northwards which will herald longer days and hopefully warmer weather.

_{Sky Notes courtesy of Ken Kennedy of Dundee Astronomical Association}