March marks a turning point for skywatchers and space enthusiasts, ushering in changing seasons and a lineup of impressive astronomical events. The month begins with the equinox on March 20, where day and night both last 12 hours, signaling the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and fall in the Southern Hemisphere.
The equinox is a cosmic balancing act that happens as Earth’s 23.5° tilt positions the planet perfectly in front of the sun. Cultures worldwide have celebrated this moment for centuries, marking it as a time of renewal and transformation.
Statistically, March offers the year’s best chance to see the aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. The increased solar wind interaction with Earth’s magnetosphere during the equinox can make auroras more frequent and vibrant. This phenomenon is enhanced by slightly milder temperatures and pleasant weather in March.
Other notable events include a total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, which will set the moon ablaze in a deep red hue visible across North and South America. Saturn’s rings will seemingly vanish due to Earth’s view aligning edge-on every 15 years, starting on March 23.
A partial solar eclipse on March 29 will take a “bite” out of the sun, visible only from limited locations. With clear skies being crucial for witnessing these celestial wonders, skywatchers are in for a treat this month.
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Source: https://weather.com/science/space/news/2025-02-27-march-stargazing-skywatching-important-dates