Realm of Darkness
An audible read version of this article is available
Published: 25th February 2022
With the days getting noticeably longer. It is getting more difficult for the early evening and morning astronomers and astrophotographers
We have included a table with some locations from the UK, with the Sunrise and Sunset times for the beginning and end of the month of March. Hopefully helping you if you are making plans to view the stars
| Shanklin | Greenwich | Crewe | Orkney | |
| Sunrise - 1st | ||||
| Sunset - 1st | ||||
| Sunrise - 31st | ||||
| Sunset - 31st |
Wednesday, 2nd March
New Moon
The New Moon occurs on Wednesday, the 2nd of March, finally setting after five in the evening. And becoming a New Moon at 17:34, although it will be below the horizon anyway
With the Moon out of the way. If the weather is clear. And the days not having got too long. It may provide an opportunity to photograph the night sky, clear of the Moons light
Friday, 4th March
Rocket/Moon Crash
A rocket will crash into the Moon today, at 12:34 GMT. Although originally have said, to be a SpaceX rocket, by astronomer Bill Gray. It was later identified as a Chinese rocket
It will crash into the far side of the Moon, and thus won't be visible by Earth bound astronomers
However NASA have said they will try and view the crater which will be created by the impact, with their Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
Having not been a deliberate attempt, according to our sources, the Moon won't be destroyed. And we will have to continue our war with the Moon
Monday, 7th March
Close approach of the Moon and Uranus
Uranus and the Moon will be in close proximity, if you wish to attempt to view
It should be visible from after six PM, and sets about 11 PM
You can view with either a pair of binoculars or telescope. They will be visible in a south westerly direction
Friday, 18th March
Full Moon
The Full Moon occurs, also known as the Worm Moon. We would say, perhaps because it tries to worm its way into the human consciousness. And convince us, it's a great thing. But that would be unfair to worms
The Moon sets at around 6:40 before rising at around 18:30
Sunset will occur at around 17:50. The Moon can be seen with the naked eye. However, a pair of binoculars or telescope will allow you to view with greater detail
Sunday, 20th March
Spring / March Equinox
The Spring or March Equinox occurs today at 15:33
Although not of any great concern to astronomers or astrophotographers. It is an interesting event, in the mechanics of our Solar system
The Sun will light the Earth's, north and south surface equally. As the north of Earth days get longer
Sunday, 27th March
BST Starts
The clocks will go forward this Sunday for UK residents, with the start of British Summer Time. Which will mean the sun rise and set, will occur later
Maybe allowing you, if you are an early riser. To view or photograph the night skies
Although the universe doesn't change times. So if you're interested in a particular object, You may have to adjust your viewing
Monday, 28th March
136472 Makemake at Opposition
136472 Makemake is a dwarf planet in the Kuiper Belt, and will be at its brightest tonight
Although even with a telescope, it will appear to be just a small point of light
This is a more difficult object to view, but if you are up for a challenge. Then it can be viewed from around 20:50 and will be above the horizon for the night, starting in a easterly direction
Planet Spotting
If you are interested in viewing or photographing a planet this month. Then the list below, shows you which ones, are most visible
Venus
Venus will be very low but bright, before dawn, rising in a south easterly direction
Mars
Mars can be seen in March. Hhowever viewing isn't the greatest. It will rise in a south easterly direction, just before dawn
Saturn
Saturn can bee seen towards the end of the month. And will rise in a similar location and time, as Venus and Mars. Hopefully making it easier to find
Tag Us
If you manage to take a photo of any of the objects mentioned in this article, or even objects we haven't. Then consider tagging us in any social media posts you make, we enjoy seeing what you have photographed
Associated Podcast / Video
Darkest Hour, Brightest Night also produce a podcast and video. Which gives you an overview of the events due to occur in February 2022
These should be released on the 28th February 2022, and the podcast can be found in the Podcast section. Or on your podcast app
The video can be found in the video section, or via Odysee or Youtube
Following us on social media will keep you up to date on the events mentioned in this article, and other related updates
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Written by: Ben Patmore
Ben Patmore is an amateur astrophotographer
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