March 2025 brings a fascinating lineup of celestial events for both casual stargazers and avid astronomers. As winter gives way to spring in the Northern Hemisphere, the night sky transforms into a breathtaking spectacle, featuring everything from planetary alignments to dazzling meteor showers. The crisp March evenings in India provide excellent conditions for observing these astronomical marvels. Beyond their sheer beauty, these events hold deep scientific and cultural significance. Whether you're a seasoned observer or simply enjoy gazing at the stars, here are five extraordinary celestial wonders to watch out for this March.
The Moon and Mercury will align in the same right ascension, with the Moon passing just 23' south of Mercury in what is known as an appulse. From New Delhi, the pair will become visible around 18:34 IST, positioned 11° above the western horizon as dusk fades. They will gradually descend, setting at 19:29 IST, just over an hour after sunset. The Moon, at magnitude -8.5, and Mercury, at magnitude -1.0, will both be in the constellation Pisces. Their close proximity will allow them to be seen together through a telescope, though they will also be visible to the naked eye or with binoculars.
On this night, the Moon and Jupiter will align in the same right ascension, with the Moon passing 5°33' north of Jupiter. At the same time, they will also experience a close approach, known as an appulse. From New Delhi, the celestial duo will become visible around 18:38 IST, positioned 80° above the southwestern horizon as dusk fades. They will gradually descend, setting at 01:00 IST. The Moon, at magnitude -11.9, and Jupiter, at magnitude -2.3, will both be in the constellation Taurus. Though they will be too far apart to be seen together through a telescope or binoculars, they will be clearly visible to the naked eye, offering a striking view in the night sky.
Venus and Mercury will align in the same right ascension, with Venus passing 6°20' north of Mercury. From New Delhi, the pair will become visible around 18:47 IST, positioned 15° above the western horizon as dusk fades. They will gradually descend, setting at 20:00 IST, about 95 minutes after sunset. Venus, shining at magnitude -4.4, and Mercury, at magnitude -0.2, will both be in the constellation Pisces. Though too far apart to be seen together through a telescope or binoculars, they will be clearly visible to the naked eye.
Asteroid 8 Flora will be prominently visible in the constellation Leo, staying well above the horizon for most of the night. No matter where you are on Earth, it will reach its highest point around midnight local time. From New Delhi, it will be visible from 20:00 IST, rising to 21° above the eastern horizon, peaking at 72° above the southern horizon at 00:43 IST, and becoming inaccessible around 05:27 IST as it dips below 21° in the west. This presents a great opportunity for sky watchers to observe one of the largest main-belt asteroids.
Dwarf planet 136472 Makemake will reach opposition, positioning itself directly opposite the Sun in the sky. Located in the constellation Coma Berenices, it will be visible for much of the night, peaking around midnight local time. From New Delhi, it will become accessible around 20:07 IST at 21° above the eastern horizon, reaching its highest point at 01:11 IST at 82° above the southern horizon. By 05:14 IST, it will be lost to dawn twilight at 34° above the western horizon, offering an excellent viewing opportunity.
