March sky has comet and lunar eclipse

During the month of March night sky observers will be able to witness the passage of comet C/2021 S3 (PANSTARRS), several conjunctions between stars, and even a penumbral eclipse of the Moon.

O comet C/2021 S3 (PANSTARRS) it has been visible since last month, and although it reached its closest point to Earth in mid-February, it should reach maximum brightness (and also greater visibility) on March 1st.

Even so, to be able to see the comet, it is recommended to use binoculars or small telescopes. Astronomy apps for smartphones can also help track the celestial body's location in the sky.

As to conjunctions between stars , this is a phenomenon that occurs when two or more celestial bodies appear very close together in the sky — an optical illusion, as they are separated by thousands of kilometers in space. And it is usually possible to observe it with the naked eye at night.

At the end of the month, there is also a penumbral eclipse of the Moon — when the satellite passes through the area of ​​lighter shadow formed by the Earth.

However, this type of eclipse usually generates little change in the Moon's brightness and, therefore, it must be difficult to see with the naked eye. Learn more about the different types of eclipses here.

See below the main astronomical phenomena of the month of March according to guide to Astronomical Ephemerides of the Valongo Observatory, at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) .

• 1/3: Maximum brightness of comet C/2021 S3 (PANSTARRS), which can be seen using binoculars, in dark skies, during the early hours of the morning;
• 3/3: Conjunction between the Moon and the star Antares during the late morning. For states in the North, Northeast and Central West, a lunar occultation (when the Moon “comes in front” and hides a star momentarily) of this star can be observed;
• 8/3: Moon, Venus and Mars form a beautiful celestial trio before dawn, in the east direction;
• 3/13: Conjunction between Moon and Jupiter in the early evening, in the northwest direction;
• 3/17: Neptune conjunct the Sun;
• 3/20: Autumnal equinox for the Southern Hemisphere (beginning of autumn) at 0:06 am (Brasília time);
• 3/21: Conjunction between Venus and Saturn before dawn, in the east direction. The stars will be
  separated by just 0.3°;
• 3/25: Penumbral eclipse of the Moon, which can be seen throughout the American continent. In Brazil, the eclipse will occur in the early morning, before dawn;
• 30/3: Mars, Saturn and Venus will be visually aligned before dawn, in an easterly direction.

O Astronomical Ephemeris guide has been produced since 2016 by Valongo Observatory from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and brings the main phenomena that can be seen in the night sky each year.

With the aim of reviving interest in celestial contemplation, the material lists month by month which celestial bodies will be visible and the best way to look for them. In addition to providing simple explanations about astronomy.

The complete guide, with sky maps, can be downloaded for free here .