A celestial showcase awaits Western Washington residents as clouds part to reveal a series of astronomical events over the next month. Keen observers can witness eclipses, planetary alignments, and other breathtaking occurrences.
Seven planets are set to appear in a spectacular “planetary parade,” with some visible only through binoculars or telescopes. A rare alignment of four or five planets is on display this month, with Venus, Mars, and Jupiter shining brightly as the most accessible.
A lunar eclipse on March 13-14 will create a “bloodshot” full moon, while a solar eclipse on March 29 will be partially visible in certain parts of the world. The vernal equinox marks the official start of spring for the Northern Hemisphere on March 20.
Understanding the Earth’s orbit and tilt is key to grasping these seasonal changes. The equinox occurs when day and night last almost equally, while solstices mark the extremes of tilt, resulting in varying daylight hours. Meteorological seasons, based on weather patterns, differ from astronomical seasons, which are defined by the Earth’s movement around the sun.
As clouds clear, Western Washington residents can enjoy this rare celestial spectacle, with stargazing apps and expert guidance available to enhance the experience.
Source: https://komonews.com/news/local/lunar-eclipse-partial-solar-vernal-spring-equinox-parade-of-planets-space-nasa-noaa-astronomy-celestial-stargaze