Friday, March 3
The Moon reaches apogee, the farthest level from our planet in its orbit, at 1 P.M. EST. At the moment, our satellite will probably be 252,207 miles (405,888 kilometers) from Earth.
Magnitude 0.4 Mars remains to be outstanding within the night sky, standing greater than 70° excessive an hour after sundown. The Pink Planet sits close to Elnath, the tip of one in every of Taurus’ two horns, some 4° southwest of that star and 20° virtually instantly above Betelgeuse in Orion. Farther down, 27° under Betelgeuse, is the blazingly vibrant star Sirius.
By a telescope, Mars spans 8″, making identification of its floor options difficult. Round 7 P.M. within the Midwest, the darkish blotch of Mare Sirenum could also be seen, in addition to the ligher-colored peak of Olympus Mons.
Dawn: 6:30 A.M.
Sundown: 5:54 P.M.
Moonrise: 2:09 P.M.
Moonset: 4:54 A.M.
Moon Section: Waxing gibbous (87%)
*Instances for dawn, sundown, moonrise, and moonset are given in native time from 40° N 90° W. The Moon’s illumination is given at 12 P.M. native time from the identical location.
Saturday, March 4
The American Association of Variable Star Observers celebrates Propus (Eta [η] Geminorum) as March’s variable of the month. At the moment of yr, the Twins are already excessive above the japanese horizon at sundown. The constellation’s two brightest stars, Castor and Pollux — magnitude 1.6 and 1.2, respectively — shine brightly within the falling darkish. Procyon, the magnitude 0.4 nostril of the Little Canine, lies to their decrease proper, whereas to its decrease proper is Sirius, the brightest star within the sky.
On the ft of Gemini stands Orion, whose three-star belt and hourglass-shaped physique are simple for many observers to pick. Propus lies practically 16° north-northeast of Betelgeuse, the purple large sitting at Orion’s shoulder. For a better signpost, use Third-magnitude Mu [μ] Geminorum — Propus lies just below 2° west of this star.
Astronomers first recorded the purple large Propus as a variable star within the 1860s. Its magnitude varies between 3.3 and three.9 over the course of about two-thirds of a yr (234 days). And close by is an added bonus: The Fifth-magnitude open cluster M35 sits simply over 2° northwest; binoculars or a wide-field view, similar to that by means of a finder scope, will internet you each on the identical time.
Dawn: 6:29 A.M.
Sundown: 5:55 P.M.
Moonrise: 3:11 P.M.
Moonset: 5:29 A.M.
Moon Section: Waxing gibbous (93%)
Sunday, March 5
Early risers this morning can catch a flock of “wild geese” flying throughout the starry sky. Cataloged as M11 and NGC 6705, the Wild Duck Cluster in Scutum is instantly seen within the hours earlier than dawn, climbing because the hours tick by. Round 5:30 A.M. native time, the cluster is a few 30° excessive within the southeast, simply off the tail of Aquila the Eagle. Find Third-magnitude Lambda Aquilae, then slowly scan about 4° west-southwest to land on M11.
At magnitude 5.8, M11 is seen to the bare eye from a superb, darkish website (it’s finest to strive earlier than the sky begins to brighten with the primary hints of daybreak). Spanning some 14′, the Wild Duck Cluster is a wealthy, compact group of practically 3,000 younger stars that sits an estimated 6,000 light-years away. The cluster’s identify comes from the V-shaped sample fashioned by its brightest members — although if you wish to see this likeness, tune out the fainter stars by choosing binoculars or a small scope over something bigger. With an excessive amount of energy, these faint stars wash out your skill to discern brighter sample.
Dawn: 6:27 A.M.
Sundown: 5:56 P.M.
Moonrise: 4:13 P.M.
Moonset: 5:58 A.M.
Moon Section: Waxing gibbous (97%)
