March is a month of fresh beginnings. After the cold winter, we start to enjoy longer days and the return of bright stars. For those who love watching the sky, March is an exciting time. This is because spring starts with the vernal equinox, which happens on March 19, at 11:06 p.m. Eastern time.
March is significant for star watchers. In March, the vernal equinox takes place. This is when the center of the sun’s disc crosses the celestial equator, moving to the northern hemisphere of the sky. Many ancient cultures believed this to be the traditional beginning of the new year. Even today, this event helps to decide the dates of festive days and times of fasting in several religions.
Spring equinox is also known as the “first point of Aries.” This phrase comes from astrology and refers to an old belief from Babylonian times. Back then, they thought the equinox occurred in the constellation of Aries. But today, it happens in the constellation of Pisces.
The word “equinox” means that day and night are the same length. This year, the day when light and dark share the sky equally is March 16. On this day, the sun rises at 7:17 a.m. and sets at 7:17 p.m.
One bright planet you may be able to see in March is Jupiter. It shines in the western sky during evening hours. Around 30 to 45 minutes after sunset from March 17 to 31, you might spot Mercury. It will be close to the western horizon. If you have binoculars, use them!
March is a perfect month to explore the night sky. So, let’s go outside and watch the universe unfold. As the days pass, the stars of winter set, and new constellations take their place. So make the most of March, and enjoy the view!
Vocabulary List:
- Equinox (noun): The time or date (twice each year) at which the sun crosses the celestial equator when day and night are of equal length (about March 21 and September 23).
- Vernal (adjective): Relating toor occurring in the spring.
- Hemisphere (noun): A half of a sphere.
- Aries (noun): The first sign of the zodiac.
- Babylonian (adjective): Relating to Babylonan ancient city in Mesopotamia.
- Constellation (noun): A group of stars forming a recognizable pattern.
