March 2021 Night Sky Events: Must-See Space Shows This Month

Heads up, space geeks! March brings a number of awesome sky events -- including a conjunction of Jupiter and the moon.

Watch out for these dates to make the most out of this month's celestial showcase:

March 4 – Minor planet Vesta at opposition

On Thursday, the minor planet (4) Vesta will be opposite the sun in the sky and thus would be visible for the entire night, according to Space.com. One of the first asteroids to be discovered in our solar system, it is one of the largest objects in the main asteroid belt with a diameter of about 326 miles.

Skywatchers can easily view Vesta, which will be near the constellation Leo, on Thursday night with the help of binoculars (red circle) and small telescopes as it will be at its brightest.

March 9 – Conjunction of the moon and Saturn

On the morning of March 9, skywatchers can catch an amazing sight if they wake up early. The waning crescent moon, along with Saturn, Jupiter and Mercury, will appear near the horizon from the southeast to the east-southeast at dawn, according to NASA.

When the sky begins to brighten, the moon and Saturn will appear to line up, while Mercury and Jupiter will appear farther to the lower left.

March 10 – Conjunction of the moon and Jupiter

Just a day after the Saturn-moon conjunction, the crescent moon will shift east to sit below and about halfway between Jupiter and Saturn.

"As morning twilight begins, Saturn will appear on the right at about 8 degrees above the horizon, the Moon will appear to the lower left of Saturn only about a degree above the horizon, Jupiter will appear to the upper left of the Moon at 3 degrees above the horizon, and Mercury will appear farthest to the left at less than a degree above the horizon," NASA stated.

The moon and Jupiter's distance will be too wide for a telescope or a pair of binoculars to squeeze in a single field of vision but would still be close enough for it to be easily spotted.

According to Space.com, the view will be much better for space enthusiasts observing the event from southern regions as the "sun will be farther below the horizon and the moon will be higher."

March 14 – Peak of the Gamma Normid meteor shower

Just after the full moon on March 11, the Gamma Normids will be at its peak just three days later, according to The Sky Live. The Southern hemisphere meteor shower is active from Feb. 25 to March 28 but will showcase the highest number of meteors on March 14. Prepare your binoculars!

March 19 – Conjunction of the moon and Mars

Mars will be spending much of its time around the Pleiades star cluster during the month of March, which is why it is set to form an interesting triangle with the Pleiades and the waxing crescent moon on March 19.

March 20 – Equinox

March 20, at 9:37 GMT (or 5:37 a.m. EDT), marks the spring equinox -- the beginning of the astronomical season of spring. The lengths of night and day will be equal on that day, and the sun will rise due east and set due west.

Check out more dates, celestial events and skywatching tips from NASA's website.