Night Sky for March 2023

What’s in the sky in March 2023? Find out what planets are visible in March, what those bright stars are near the Moon, and what else you can see easily this month from astronomer Bob Berman.

March 1: Venus and Jupiter Conjunction

On March 1, Venus and Jupiter are breathtakingly close to each other, low in the western sky 40 minutes after sunset, creating the year’s finest conjunction. Look first for Venus, the brightest object in the sky (other than the Moon), which is positioned just half a degree to the right of Jupiter. 

On March 2, Venus and Jupiter are visibly separating. During March, Jupiter sinks lower while Venus climbs a bit higher each evening. 

March 7: The Full Worm Moon

On March 7, the full Worm Moon reaches its peak illumination at 7:42 a.m. EST, 4:42 a.m. PST, or 12:42 GMT. Because of its timing, the Moon will appear full on both Monday night and Tuesday night. Here’s all you need to know about the full Worm Moon.

March 12: Daylight Saving Time Begins

On March 12, Daylight Saving Time begins. Time to spring forward! As this is a Sunday at 2 a.m., you may wish to ensure all clocks are set forward Saturday evening, March 11. The sunsets now occur a minute later every evening as we approach the vernal equinox on March 20. Learn more about Daylight Saving Time.

March 14: Third Quarter Moon

On March 14, look up at the Third Quarter Moon at 10:10 p.m. EDT or 7:10 p.m. PDT. This Moon phase is important because the darkest skies follow this phase—ideal for stargazing! Why is it called a Quarter Moon (not a half Moon)? Find out.

March 20: Spring Equinox

Spring begins with the vernal equinox on the evening of the 20th at 5:24 p.m. EDT. This marks the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. The sun will rise perfectly due east and set due west. Learn more facts about the vernal equinox. 

March 21: New Moon

On Tuesday, March 21, the Moon appears absent from the skies. However, it’s simply hidden from our view for the night. This is a perfect night for stargazing. Did you know spring is galaxy time? More galaxies are visible from March to mid-May, early in the evening. Learn more about seeing galaxies.

March 22: New Moon Meets Jupiter

On Wednesday, March 22, look just after sunset for a subtle but magical sight. The very young Moon is only a thin crescent and it hangs right above bright Jupiter above the western horizon. It’s only 1.3 degrees apart—about a thumb’s width. 

March 23 and 24: Moon and Venus

This site will be easy to see. The crescent Moon dangles below Venus on the 23rd and above it on the 24th. The Moon’s crescent looks like a smile below the eye of Jupiter and makes for a beautiful photo.

Also on the 24th, binocular users can look for green planet Uranus to the left of the Moon. Since there are no green stars, the color should make it easily identifiable. 

March 28: Moon and Mars

On Tuesday, March 28, look in the western skies for the Moon to hover just above fading Mars. The half-Moon is only palm’s width above Mars which appears as a reddish dot in the night sky. They’re part of the impressive gathering of stars and planets that surround Orion in the southwest at nightfall. 

Sirius, the Dog Star

March is a great month to marvel at Sirius—the brightest star in our sky. Sirius is nicknamed “the Dog Star” because it’s the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major. Sirius is super easy to locate: Just face toward the south and look for Orion. The three bright stars that make up Orion’s belt point downward, toward Sirius. See my post on Sirius, The Brightest Star in the Sky Tonight.

The Big Dipper

On March evenings, it’s easy to find the Big Dipper. This is not a constellation but an “asterism” which is composed of the seven brightest stars in the constellation Ursa Major, the Greater Bear. The shape of the Big Dipper never varies, but its orientation changes constantly. See our free stargazing map to navigate the Big Dipper.