Astronomical Events in March 2026: What to See in the Night Sky This Month
March 2026 kicks off with a real sky show: a Blood Moon on March 2-3. And that’s just the beginning! Throughout the month, the sky offers bright planet pairings, close Moon encounters with stars, the March equinox, and the start of galaxy season — when distant galaxies become easier to spot in the evening sky. Below is your complete guide to everything happening overhead in March 2026. And if you want to check exact times and visibility from your location, the Sky Tonight app makes it easy with a real-time sky map.
Contents
- Astronomical events in March 2026
- Lunar events in March 2026
- Solar events in March 2026
- Planet events in March 2026
- Constellations in March 2026
- Meteor showers in March 2026
- Deep-sky objects in March 2026
- Comets in March 2026
- Night sky events March 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
- What March sky events are visible in my city?
- March astronomy events: Bottom line
Astronomical events in March 2026
Here’s the complete list of astronomical events in March 2026. The most exciting and noteworthy ones are marked with a 🌟 so you can spot them at a glance. The links will take you to dedicated articles where each event is covered in more detail.
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March 2:
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March 3:
Full Moon. 🌟
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March 6:
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March 7:
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March 8:
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March 10:
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March 11:
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March 12:
Xi Herculids meteor shower peak (2 meteors/hour).
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March 14:
Gamma Normids meteor shower peak (6 meteors/hour).
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March 15:
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March 17:
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March 18:
Eta Virginids meteor shower peak (2 meteors/hour);
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March 19:
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March 20:
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March 22:
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March 23:
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March 25:
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March 26:
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March 27:
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March 28:
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March 29:
Please note that all dates are given in GMT. Depending on your time zone, some events may fall on a different date. To check the exact date for your location, use the Sky Tonight calendar.
Top 5 March sky events: best astronomical events this month
March 2026 is packed with celestial highlights, but here are five events you definitely won’t want to miss:
- Full Blood Moon on March 3: March Full Moon comes with a spectacular bonus — a total lunar eclipse. During totality, the Moon will turn a deep reddish hue — a breathtaking sight visible from the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Asia.
- Venus near Saturn on March 8: Two bright planets will appear remarkably close together in the evening sky, separated by about the width of an index finger held at arm’s length. Since the pair sits low and close to the Sun after sunset, they may be difficult to spot in bright twilight.
- Mercury and Mars near the Moon on March 17: Two planets meet the slender lunar crescent, forming a picturesque trio in the sky. However, the grouping rises shortly before sunrise and remains close to the Sun, making it a challenging sight in many locations.
- Pleiades near the Moon on March 23: One of the brightest and most recognizable star clusters will shine close to the Moon. Observers in the northern parts of the U.S., Canada, Greenland, Japan, Korea, and northern China will also see the Moon occult the Pleiades.
- Bright star Regulus near the Moon on March 29: The Moon passes near Regulus, the bright heart of the constellation Leo. In Europe and parts of Asia and Africa, observers will witness a lunar occultation of this prominent star.
Other notable events in March 2026
- March 13 – discovery of Uranus: On this day 245 years ago, British astronomer William Herschel discovered Uranus. Since then, we’ve learned a great deal about this distant ice giant. Check out our dedicated article to explore some fascinating facts about Uranus (and don’t forget to share that Uranus joke).
- March 20 – March Equinox: This date marks the start of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. You’ve probably heard that day and night are perfectly equal on this date, but that’s not exactly true — our infographic explains why.
- March 20 – International Astrology Day: In astrology, the equinox marks the Sun’s entry into Aries and the beginning of the tropical zodiac. That’s why astrologers treat the equinox as their symbolic New Year — and celebrate it as International Astrology Day. Astronomy and astrology are often confused — so if you’ve ever mixed them up, this is a good opportunity to read about the difference between astronomy and astrology.
- March 21 – Messier Marathon: Around the March New Moon, observers attempt to spot all 110 Messier objects in a single night. It sounds ambitious — and it is. If you’re ready for several hours of focused skywatching (and possibly cold fingers), our Messier Marathon guide will help you prepare.
- March 28 – Earth Hour: During Earth Hour, people around the world switch off their lights for one hour as a symbolic gesture of support for the planet. Learn more about the Earth Hour initiative and how to take part in our article.
Lunar events in March 2026
March 2026 is packed with the Moon events, treating skywatchers to a total lunar eclipse and close meetings with bright sky objects. Here’s a guide to the month’s main lunar highlights.
Moon phases in March 2026
Here are the exact dates and times for the key lunar phases in March 2026:
- Full Moon: March 3, 11:38 UTC/GMT (06:38 ET)
- Last Quarter: March 11, 09:39 UTC/GMT (05:39 ET)
- New Moon: March 19, 01:23 UTC/GMT (March 18, 21:23 ET)
- First Quarter: March 25, 19:18 UTC/GMT (15:18 ET)
For day-by-day Moon phases and precise moonrise and moonset times, take a look at the Lunar Calendar on our website.
Full Blood Moon on March 3
On March 3, the Full Moon — traditionally known as the Worm Moon — will reach its peak. The name reflects the time of year, when the ground begins to thaw and earthworms reappear in many regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
This year, the March Full Moon comes with a spectacular bonus: a total lunar eclipse, often called a Blood Moon because the lunar disk takes on a reddish hue during totality. It will be the only total lunar eclipse of 2026 and the last one until 2028, making it one of the year’s most notable sky events. For exact local times, detailed viewing stages, and a visibility map, see our complete total lunar eclipse 2026 guide.
Learn more: Full Moon March 2026; Blood Moon 2026
Two planets near the Moon on March 17
On March 17, a thin crescent Moon will first pass by Mercury and then move close to Mars, placing two planets near the Moon in the pre-dawn sky. However, all three objects rise shortly before sunrise, so observing conditions will be challenging in most locations, as the sky will already be brightening. Observers in the Southern Hemisphere will have a better view, with the group appearing slightly higher above the horizon.
If you're hoping to spot the playful “sad face” pattern, try looking a day earlier, on March 16, when the spacing between the Moon and the two planets is slightly wider — roughly the width of a clenched fist held at arm’s length — and the shape is more recognizable. On March 17, the Moon moves closer to the planets and appears as an even thinner crescent, sitting between them in the sky.
⚠️Safety note: This event occurs close to the Sun in the sky. Use binoculars or a telescope only before sunrise, and stop using the optics once the Sun has risen. Never point optical equipment toward the Sun, as even brief exposure can cause permanent eye damage.
Pleiades near the Moon on March 23
On March 23, the 23%-illuminated Moon will pass close to the Pleiades. The crescent Moon won’t outshine the cluster, so both objects should be visible to the naked eye under clear skies. In northeastern Asia and high northern latitudes — including Japan, Korea, northern China and Russia, as well as northern parts of the U.S., Canada, and Greenland — observers will see a lunar occultation, as the Moon moves in front of the Pleiades.
Learn more: Pleiades, one of the brightest star clusters
Bright star near the Moon on March 29
On March 29, the 89%-illuminated Moon will shine close to Regulus (mag 1.4) in the evening sky, separated by less than the width of your little finger held at arm’s length. Look for the pair shortly after sunset. In parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, and western Russia, skywatchers will also see a lunar occultation of Regulus, as the Moon slips in front of the bright star. During the occultation, the Moon will effectively take Regulus’s place at the base of the Sickle — the backward question-mark asterism outlining the Lion’s head. With binoculars or a small telescope, you can watch Regulus suddenly blink out behind the Moon’s edge and then pop back into view some time later.
Learn more: Regulus, the brightest star in Leo
Solar events in March 2026
In March 2026, the Sun quietly reshapes our skies. The March equinox marks the shift of the seasons, while geomagnetic activity makes this one of the best months to catch auroras.
Equinox on March 20: first day of spring or fall
The March equinox in 2026 will occur on March 20 at 14:46 UTC/GMT, marking the moment when neither of the Earth’s hemispheres is inclined towards or away from the Sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, it signals the first day of spring, bringing longer days and warmer weather. However, in the Southern Hemisphere, it marks the beginning of autumn, as the days gradually shorten.
By the way, did you know that day and night aren't exactly the same length at the equinox? Learn more fun facts about the March equinox in our colorful infographic.
Best time for auroras: northern lights & southern lights in March
While predicting auroras is tricky, March is statistically one of the most geomagnetically active months, offering a higher average chance of auroras, with October coming in second. This is related to the equinox effect — when the Earth's magnetic poles are at just the right angle for more solar wind to break through, leading to stronger auroras.
Another key factor is the Bz component, the “north-south” direction of the Sun’s magnetic field. Scientists have found that the Bz component fluctuates most during the equinoxes, which means geomagnetic storms are more common.
Learn more: Sun and its activity cycle; Northern and Southern lights visibility guide
Planet events in March 2026
As March unfolds, planetary visibility changes noticeably: a few planets fade from view, others improve, and Venus meets Saturn in a close evening pairing. Let’s see what to expect in the sky this month.
Planet visibility in March 2026: Northern Hemisphere
- Mercury (Pisces, Aquarius; mag from 2.6 to 0.3): At the beginning of the month, Mercury is poorly placed as it approaches the Sun. By mid-March, it starts moving away and becomes visible in the morning sky. By the end of the month, you can spot it low above the horizon for about an hour before sunrise.
- Venus (Aquarius, Pisces, Aries; mag -3.8): Venus gradually moves farther from the Sun and stays longer in the evening sky. By late March, it remains visible for nearly two hours after sunset.
- Mars (Aquarius; mag 1.1): Mars rises almost at the same time as the Sun, making it difficult to observe throughout the month.
- Jupiter (Gemini; mag from -2.4 to -2.2): Jupiter continues to dominate the night sky, shining brightly and standing high above the horizon already in the evening.
- Saturn (Pisces; mag from 1.1 to 0.9): Early in the month, Saturn is visible for a couple of hours after sunset. However, it quickly approaches the Sun and disappears from view by the end of March.
- Uranus (Taurus; mag 5.7): Uranus can be seen fairly high above the horizon shortly after sunset under dark skies.
- Neptune (Pisces; mag 7.9): Neptune is briefly visible in the evening sky at the beginning of the month but gradually moves closer to the Sun and becomes unobservable by late March.
Planet visibility in March 2026: Southern Hemisphere
- Mercury (Pisces, Aquarius; mag from 2.6 to 0.3): Mercury is poorly visible at first as it nears the Sun. By mid-March, it begins to separate and becomes easier to see in the morning sky. By the end of the month, it appears in darker pre-dawn skies for up to two hours before sunrise.
- Venus (Aquarius, Pisces, Aries; mag -3.8): Venus stays in evening skies and remains visible for about an hour after sunset throughout the month.
- Mars (Aquarius; mag 1.1): Mars slowly moves away from the Sun and becomes visible in the morning sky for about an hour before sunrise.
- Jupiter (Gemini; mag from -2.4 to -2.2): Jupiter remains the brightest planet in the evening sky, reaching its highest point soon after sunset.
- Saturn (Pisces; mag from 1.1 to 0.9): Saturn is visible for about an hour after sunset early in the month but quickly approaches the Sun and disappears from view by the end of March.
- Uranus (Taurus; mag 5.7): Uranus can be observed for up to three hours after sunset, though it stays relatively low above the horizon.
- Neptune (Pisces; mag 7.9): Neptune is briefly visible in the evening sky early in March but gradually fades into the Sun’s glare by the end of the month.
Venus near Saturn on March 8
On March 8, Venus and Saturn will appear close together low above the western horizon after sunset. The two planets will be separated by about the width of an index finger held at arm’s length. Both planets will be visible to the naked eye, making this conjunction a rewarding sight for evening skywatchers.
⚠️Safety note: Since the planets appear close to the Sun in the sky, make sure the Sun has fully set before observing. Never point binoculars or a telescope near the Sun, as this can cause serious eye damage.
Learn more: Planetary conjunctions: when to see two planets close together
Constellations in March 2026
Not sure which constellations to look for in March? Your view depends on where you live — here’s a quick guide for both hemispheres.
March constellations in the Northern Hemisphere
In March, observers in the Northern Hemisphere can spot Cancer, Canis Minor, and the faint but interesting Lynx. While some southern constellations stay low above the horizon, they can still be partially visible from mid-northern latitudes under good conditions.
Learn more: Constellations in March
March constellations in the Southern Hemisphere
In the Southern Hemisphere, March offers excellent views of Carina, Puppis, Pyxis, Vela, and Volans. These constellations climb high in the sky and are best seen from southern latitudes. Observers can also find Cancer and Canis Minor closer to the northern horizon.
Learn more: Constellations in March
Meteor showers in March 2026
March is a relatively quiet month for meteor activity. No major showers peak this month, but several minor ones reach their maximum and may produce a few meteors per hour under dark, clear skies.
- Xi Herculids peak on March 12, just one day after the Last Quarter Moon. With the Moon rising late, observing conditions will be fairly favorable, though the shower itself is modest, producing around 2 meteors per hour. It is best seen from the Northern Hemisphere.
- Gamma Normids reach their peak on March 14, when the Moon will be a 20%-illuminated waning crescent. The darker skies will help, especially for observers in the Southern Hemisphere, where this shower is best placed. At maximum, it can produce up to 6 meteors per hour.
- Eta Virginids peak on March 18, the day before the New Moon, providing excellent dark-sky conditions. However, the shower is weak, with only about 2 meteors per hour, and favors observers in the Northern Hemisphere.
Learn more: Meteor Shower Calendar: March-June 2026
Deep-sky objects in March 2026
March marks the start of galaxy season in the Northern Hemisphere. At this time of year, the evening sky faces away from the bright band of the Milky Way, giving us clearer views of distant galaxies in constellations like Leo, Virgo, and Ursa Major.
- Beginner-friendly: The Beehive Cluster (M44) is bright and easy to spot even with binoculars, while Bode’s Galaxy (M81) is a rewarding first galaxy for small telescopes under dark skies.
- More challenging targets: The spiral galaxy NGC 2903 in Leo reveals structure in medium-sized telescopes, and the Owl Nebula (M97) requires steady conditions and careful observing to catch its subtle details.
- Great for astrophotography: The galaxy pair M81 and M82 makes a striking composition in one field of view, and longer exposures of NGC 2903 can bring out its delicate spiral arms.
Learn more: Full guide to deep-sky objects visible in March
Messier Marathon on March 20-21
Around the March New Moon, stargazers take on one of the most ambitious observing challenges of the year — the Messier Marathon. The goal is to spot as many of the 110 Messier objects as possible in a single night. Because many galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters are best placed in March, this month offers the ideal window for the attempt.
In 2026, the most favorable nights fall on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, just after the New Moon on March 19, ensuring dark skies for observers. Careful planning, a clear horizon, and plenty of stamina are key — but even spotting part of the list makes for a rewarding night under the stars. Missed it this time? The next New Moon arrives just a month later — conveniently landing on April 17, offering another weekend opportunity for the challenge on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Learn more: Messier Marathon planner
Comets in March 2026
March 2026 is a month for patient comet hunters. No bright naked-eye comets are guaranteed, but several telescopic targets are worth following — especially as some of them may brighten noticeably.
- C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) is gradually fading. It starts the month near magnitude 9 and continues to dim as it moves away from Earth. The comet is visible from both hemispheres: in the Northern Hemisphere, it appears very low above the southwestern horizon about an hour after sunset (best from latitudes around 42°N and farther south), while in the Southern Hemisphere it stands higher in the southwestern sky after dusk.
- C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) begins March around magnitude 11 and may brighten to about magnitude 7 by the end of the month, potentially becoming accessible in binoculars under dark skies. The comet is best placed for observers in the Northern Hemisphere.
- A more uncertain but intriguing object is C/2026 A1 (MAPS). In mid-March, it remains faint (around magnitude 13), requiring medium to large telescopes. It is expected to brighten later in the month, and some projections suggest it could approach binocular visibility (around magnitude 5) if it performs well. However, as a sungrazing comet, its future brightness is particularly difficult to predict.
- Finally, 88P/Howell reaches perihelion on March 18, 2026. It is expected to remain around magnitude 11 and is best observed from southern latitudes in the early morning sky, low above the eastern horizon. At this brightness, it is a telescopic object and will likely require a medium-sized telescope.
As always, comet brightness forecasts come with substantial uncertainties — especially for sungrazing or dynamically evolving comets — so their actual appearance may differ from predictions.
Learn more: Upcoming comets 2026: latest news
Night sky events March 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest celestial event in March 2026?
The highlight of the month is the total lunar eclipse on March 3 — the only total lunar eclipse of 2026 and the last one until 2028. Find the exact local times, detailed viewing stages, and a visibility map in our complete total lunar eclipse 2026 guide.
Which planets are visible in March 2026?
Jupiter remains bright and easy to see in the evening sky. Venus gradually becomes better placed after sunset, while Mercury and Mars are mainly morning objects late in the month. Saturn and Neptune move into the Sun’s glare by the end of March.
Are there any meteor showers in March 2026?
Yes, but they are minor. The Gamma Normids, Xi Herculids, and Eta Virginids peak this month, producing only a few meteors per hour under dark skies. See our dedicated article to get more details on the meteor showers visible from March to June.
When is the best dark sky in March 2026?
The darkest nights will be around the New Moon on March 19. The period from roughly March 17 to March 22 offers the best conditions for deep-sky observing and astrophotography. Check the Moon calendar while planning your observations.
Is there a Messier Marathon in March 2026?
Yes. The best nights for the Messier Marathon fall on March 20–21, just after the March New Moon, offering dark skies for the challenge. Plan your observations in advance with our Messier Marathon guide, and find all 110 Messier objects in one night!
Are any bright comets visible in March 2026?
No bright naked-eye comets are expected in March 2026. However, several telescopic comets are worth following. C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) may brighten noticeably during the month, while C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) gradually fades. C/2026 A1 (MAPS) remains faint but could brighten later in the season, though its future development is uncertain. Comet 88P/Howell reaches perihelion on March 18 but will remain a telescopic target. Check our dedicated article for the upcoming comets schedule & comet observing tips.
What March sky events are visible in my city?
The best helper for observing the night sky is the mobile app Sky Tonight:
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Stay up-to-date on celestial events: Sky Tonight sends you alerts about meteor showers, eclipses, and other celestial events, so you don't miss any opportunities to see the night sky at its best.
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Discover celestial objects you've never heard of before: The app’s database of stars, constellations, and other celestial objects is comprehensive, making it easy to find and learn about new things in the night sky. All the objects are available for free!
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Plan stargazing trips: Sky Tonight helps you find the best night for observations for your location, so you can plan the time to see the stars in all their glory.
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Learn about astronomy: The app's educational resources and guides can help you deepen your understanding of the night sky, making stargazing an even more enriching experience.
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Share your love of astronomy: With its easy-to-use interface and customizable features, the Sky Tonight app is the perfect tool for introducing others to the joys of stargazing.
Have a look at our video tutorials to get the most out of the app.
March astronomy events: Bottom line
March 2026 is one of the most exciting months of the year for skywatchers. The standout event is the total lunar eclipse on March 3, but the month also offers elegant planet pairings, the seasonal shift of the March equinox, and dark skies perfect for galaxy hunting. Mark your calendar, set your reminders, and don’t forget to check the sky regularly — because some of the most beautiful events this month happen in just a matter of hours. For personalized observing times and visibility in your exact location, use the Sky Tonight app and never miss a celestial event again.
