Meteor shower, spring equinox and three other astronomical phenomena that we will still be able to see in March

• Ten astronomical events to see this year

The first days of Marchthey have already left us two notable astronomical phenomena: the kiss or conjunction of Venus and Jupiter -visible from the end of February, but which had its apogee on the 2nd and the worm moon, the full moon of the deck, an event that was very visible on the 7th thanks to the heavens clear that there were in almost the entire Peninsula.

But there are still many other phenomena to see, apart from the lunar phases of each month:

Meteor shower

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From last day 25 and until the end of the month -until the 28th- you can enjoy a meteor shower that, although it will not be the same. very abundant, yes. will be able to be seen with the naked eye. The Gamma Normids (γ-Normids) will reach up to 100%. Its maximum apogee in the northern hemisphere at dusk on the 14th and in the early morning of March 15. Of course, the maximum number of meteors will be about six an hour. The moon, which decreases since it was full on the 7th, will allow the moon to shine. see the rain as it loses light and size, despite the fact that the 15th will still be rainy. first quarter. This is a good time to look at the lunar surface with a telescope.

Neptune in lunar conjunction

That same day, the 15th, Neptune is in lunar conjunction, which means that it will be near the moon. It will be near the Sun in the sky – it will pass by. one degree and ten minutes from the sun- and it will be difficult to observe. The lunar conjunction -or lunar kiss- with Neptune occurs when the moon and Neptune align in the night sky, that is, when they are very close to each other in the same direction in space. This can be visually appealing, especially if Neptune is bright enough to be seen with the naked eye.

Galaxy M51

The galaxy M51, Also known as the Whirlpool Galaxy, it is a spiral galaxy located about 23 million light-years from Earth in the constellation of Canes Venatici (hunting dogs or hunting dogs). It is characterized by having two spiral arms that surround a bright nucleus and a bridge-shaped structure that connects it with another nearby galaxy, NGC 5195 . Galaxy M51 is observable throughout the year in the northern hemisphere, although its visibility depends on several factors. However, it is easiest to see in spring and summer, when it is high in the night sky. And this next day the 18th will be there. It was well located for observation most of the night, in the direction of the constellation of Canes Venatici, towards the northeastern part of the Celestial Sphere.

Spring Equinox

At the vernal equinox, the sun is directly over the equator and the length of day and night is the same everywhere on Earth. In the northern hemisphere, the vernal equinox will occur on the same day. The next day 20 at 4:33 p.m. on the Spanish peninsula, according to the National Astronomical Observatory. At that time, in the southern hemisphere it will be beginning of autumn.

Conjunction Venus and Uranus

On the last day of the month, March 31, the event will take place. the conjunction between Venus and Uranus. Uranus, the planet that smells like rotten eggs, is an outer planet and not easy to see with the naked eye, but its close proximity to Venus makes it a bit more visible. The conjunction of Venus and Uranus occurs when these two planets appear very close in the night sky from Earth's perspective, so close that the conjunction between two planets is also known as beos. Because Venus and Uranus have different orbits and different speeds, these conjunctions don't happen very often. In fact, the last conjunction of Venus and Uranus took place on March 3, 2021. During this event, Venus and Uranus appeared just 0.4 degrees apart in the night sky, which allowed It will allow sky watchers to see both planets together in the same field of view. And the next conjunction of Venus and Uranus will happen next. It will be on February 6, 2024, although it will not be the same. It is as close as the conjunction of 2021.