Derekscope

• Venus is the brighter guide, shining at around magnitude -3.9, so it becomes visible first as the sky deepens.
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• Saturn around magnitude +0.9, sits nearby, usually within a few degrees, appearing as a steady, pale point.
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• The two planets share the same region of sky in Aquarius, creating a compact pairing low in the west after sunset.
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• Mercury does reach inferior solar conjunction today, when it passes directly between the Sun and Earth.
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• This marks the end of its evening visibility and the start of its transition into the morning sky.
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• After 7 March, Mercury moves into the dawn sky, but remains very low and difficult to see from the United Kingdom for much of the month.
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• Porrima is moving toward the Sun at 12 miles per second!
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• The Moon, Spica, and Porrima form a gentle triangle in the early‑morning sky, all gathered within the constellation Virgo, helping beginners trace Virgo’s shape.
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• Spot Deneb very low on the northern horizon this week ~ the sky will look empty where you’d normally expect Cygnus in summer.
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• Full Moon tonight
  This below photo was taken by Derek Rowley during the total lunar eclipse on 28th September 2015, as seen from the United Kingdom.

• Unfortunately for the UK Observers
  The total lunar eclipse of Tuesday 2nd thru Wednesday 3rd March 2026 is a major event globally, but the United Kingdom is outside the visibility zone.
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• Where the eclipse is visible?
  The regions that can see it are well established from multiple astronomical sources across several continents, observers will see the Moon turn red during totality:
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  North America
  – visible in the early morning hours.
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  Central America
  – similar morning visibility
  – included in broader North American coverage.
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  South America (western side)
  – visible near moonset in the early morning.
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  Asia (eastern regions)
  – visible in the evening of Wednesday 3rd March.
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  Australia
  – visible in the evening of Wednesday 3rd March.
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  Pacific Islands
  – visible throughout the night in many locations.
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  New Zealand
  – visible after midnight into Thursday 4th March.
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• For the UK Observers
  Our next Partial Lunar Eclipse in the United Kingdom is Friday 28th August 2026 – read more.
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• The Moon sits very close to Regulus in an early morning on 2nd March, and the alignment is a good one for UK observers even though the occultation itself is not visible from United Kingdom.
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• The lunar occultation of Regulus is visible only from a specific band across Asia. (Eastern Russia, Eastern China, Mongolia and Japan).
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• Great Red Spot (GRS)
  The GRS crosses Jupiter’s central meridian around 10pm, making roughly 21:30pm – 22:30pm a good window to watch it drift across the disk.
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• Ganymede is in transit, in eclipse, or off to the side, and Io’s shadow is actually on the disk during that GRS window.
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• The latest astronomy equipment will be on display, and for sale on vendor stands.
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• The show is free to attend, and a large spacious venue with free parking.
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• The Venue address
  NAEC, Stoneleigh, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LH
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• Find more details here

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• The Moon passes close to M44 (the Beehive Cluster in Cancer), it’s a great opportunity for especially binocular users to enjoy the sight.
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• The Moon is nearby, it acts as a celestial “signpost,” making it easier for beginners to locate the open cluster.
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• The cluster itself contains hundreds of stars.
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• Binoculars or a small telescope reveal dozens of individual stars.
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• BSL Version
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• Your guide to the night sky this month, and a guide for binoculars, and telescope deaf owners, compiled by Derek Rowley.
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• Click the blue link below for more information;

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Astronomy Highlights for March 2026

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