MILKY WAY — (FOX 17) — Here is a look at some of the sights you can see in the nighttime sky this month. This information is provided by Indiana University.
PLANETS: At sunset, the large planet Jupiter will be shining brightly in the west about half way up the sky. Meanwhile, Saturn rises in the southeast around Midnight and will be visible in the southern sky. You can’t miss it, since it has a bright yellow glow. Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, is visible with a telescope or binoculars. Later in the month, Mercury will be visible low in the east-southeast sky just before sunrise. Venus and Mars will not be visible this month.
COMET: The comet Pan-STARRSC/2011 is expected to become visible for the first time this month. Because it has never been seen before, astronomers are unsure of how bright it will be. It appears the best time of the month to see the comet is March 8 – 20. Look in the western sky right after sunset. For a simulation of how the comet may look, click HERE.
EQUINOX: Spring starts at 7:02AM EDT on March 20. From this date until the first day of fall in September, the length of daylight will exceed the length of darkness.
MOON PHASES: Third quarter is on March 4, followed by the new moon on the 11th. First quarter is on the 19th, and the full moon occurs on the 27th.
For a look at whether the skies will be clear or cloudy, join us on FOX 17 News, or visit the weather page at http://www.fox17online.com/weather
