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Saturn remains as the best planet for viewing this month. As we open the month Saturn will be rising about 45 minutes after sunset, which is now after 6pm. As the month wanes on Saturn will be rising earlier and the sun setting latter so look for Saturn already in the sky as the month ends. For location, look for Saturn high overhead around midnight. Since Saturn will be in retrograde this month, meaning moving westward, not eastward as planets normally appears to move relative to the stars. Saturn rings will be tough to see this month. The last Quarter moon is Sunday, March 7. Venus will be tougher to view as the month opens. Already up during the daylight hours as we begin the month you'll be able to catch a short glimpse of Venus setting about an hour after sunset. As the month ends Venus will be viewable setting about an hour and a half after sunset. The Moon is New on Monday, March 15. Jupiter viewing opportunities will be very limited this month. As the month opens Jupiter is rises after sunrise and sets before sunset. As the month comes to a close Jupiter is rising about 45 minutes before sunrise. Spring will offer better viewing opportunities for Jupiter. If there is one night you want to make it outside it's the evening of Saturday, March 20. Pleiades or "Seven Sisters" star group will be moving toward a thinly illuminated crescent moon around 8:30pm. Several of the Pleiades stars will be covered up by the moon as the moon moves eastward. Don't miss this! The Geminid Meteor shower peaks on Monday, March 22. Skies should be plenty dark for good observation. Look high over head after the moon has sent. The first Quarter moon is Tuesday, March 23. Mercury much like Jupiter will be lost to the suns glare. Look for Mercury to team up with Venus on Monday to Wednesday, March 29-31 very low in the western horizon, Venus will be slightly higher with Mercury just above the horizon. The moon is full on Monday, March 29. Mars, which has offered great viewing, the past two months, will begin fading from view as it pulls further away from Earth. Even the best telescopes will have a tough time viewing the planet. If you're able, look for Mars approaching just north of the moon on Thursday, March 25 in the very early morning hours. Other notable highlights include: Friday, March 12: Apogee: Moon furthest from Earth Saturday, March 27: Perigee: Moon closest to Earth Morning Planets: Saturn, Jupiter Evening Planets: Venus, Mars
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