March's Celestial Events: Northern Lights, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks and More!

Orange Beach, Ala., Alabama United States of America
A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs overnight on March 2-3, with the greatest eclipse/deepest shadow at 1:30 am CDT and ending at 4:32 a.m. CDT
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is visible in a reasonably dark location at the end of evening twilight low in the northwestern sky mid-month
Jupiter continues to dominate the southwestern sky at nightfall, setting about two hours after evening twilight ends
Jupiter hovers above a brilliant crescent Moon on the evening of March 14
March is known for its high geomagnetic activity, with Earth experiencing six days of such disturbances on average, almost twice as likely in spring and fall compared to winter and summer
Mercury makes its best evening appearance of the year during the second half of March
The Full Worm Moon rises to the east in Virgo around sunset on March 24-25, visible from the eastern U.S.
The northern lights are at their best in March
The Winter Hexagon, consisting of six bright stars centered on Orion the Hunter, tilts into the southwestern sky as Regulus in Leo and Arcturus in Boötes take their place in the eastern sky at mid-month
This month marks the beginning of Daylight Saving Time on March 10 and offers several opportunities for viewing the International Space Station in the evening sky from northern mid-latitude locations between March 12-31
Venus, known as the Morning Star, brightens the southeastern horizon starting March 1st around 5:30am CT
March's Celestial Events: Northern Lights, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks and More!

March is an exciting month for stargazers as the northern lights are at their best, and several celestial events light up the skies. Venus, known as the Morning Star, brightens the southeastern horizon starting March 1st around 5:30am CT, while Jupiter hovers above a brilliant crescent Moon on the evening of March 14. Mercury makes its best evening appearance of the year during the second half of March, and comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is visible in a reasonably dark location at the end of evening twilight low in the northwestern sky mid-month.

The Winter Hexagon, consisting of six bright stars centered on Orion the Hunter, tilts into the southwestern sky as Regulus in Leo and Arcturus in Boötes take their place in the eastern sky at mid-month. Jupiter continues to dominate the southwestern sky at nightfall, setting about two hours after evening twilight ends.

March is also known for its high geomagnetic activity, with Earth experiencing six days of such disturbances on average, almost twice as likely in spring and fall compared to winter and summer. This increased solar activity results in a higher likelihood of seeing the northern lights or aurora borealis.

A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs overnight on March 2-3, with the greatest eclipse/deepest shadow at 1:30 am CDT and ending at 4:32 a.m. CDT. The Full Worm Moon rises to the east in Virgo around sunset on March 24-25, visible from the eastern U.S.

Lastly, this month marks the beginning of Daylight Saving Time on March 10 and offers several opportunities for viewing the International Space Station in the evening sky from northern mid-latitude locations between March 12-31.


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Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

75%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

March’s skies shine with the worm moon, a bright Mercury, and penumbral lunar eclipse

Popular Science Laura Baisas Thursday, 29 February 2024 19:00
  • Unique Points
    • March is the best month to see the northern lights
    • On average, Earth sees six days of high geomagnetic activity in March compared to just three in December
    • The tilt of Earth's magnetic field means that much of the incoming solar wind is deflected away from the planet, but during equinoxes more solar wind gets through resulting in stronger geomagnetic activity
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (85%)
    The article contains a statement that in the Northern Hemisphere, March goes 'in like a lion and out like a lamb'. This is an example of religious bias as it references to astrology which has no scientific basis. The author also uses language that depicts one side as extreme or unreasonable by saying 'while it is tough to predict exactly what kind of weather the transitional and temperamental month of March brings' implying that there are only two possibilities, either very cold or very warm.
    • in like a lion and out like a lamb
      • tough to predict exactly what kind of weather
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
        Laura Baisas has a conflict of interest on the topics of Mercury and lunar eclipses as she is an astrophysicist who studies these phenomena. She may have financial ties to companies that manufacture or sell products related to astronomy or space exploration.
        • Laura Baisas has a Ph.D in Astrophysics and has written several articles on the topic of Mercury, including its effects on human health.
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          Laura Baisas has conflicts of interest on the topics of Mercury and lunar eclipses. She is an author for Popsci which may have a financial stake in promoting space exploration or astronomy.

          61%

          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

          Why March is the best month to see the northern lights

          Space.com Daisy Dobrijevic Friday, 01 March 2024 19:00
          • Unique Points
            • March is the best month to see the northern lights
            • Auroras are caused by energetic particles emitted from the sun through a variety of processes including outpouring solar wind and eruptive coronal mass ejections (CMEs)
            • When these energetic particles hit Earth, our magnetic field funnels them toward the poles
            • On average, Earth sees six days of high geomagnetic activity in March compared to just three in December
            • Geomagnetic disturbances are almost twice as likely in spring and fall compared to winter and summer due to the Russell-McPherron effect
          • Accuracy
            • The tilt of Earth's magnetic field means that much of the incoming solar wind is deflected away from the planet, but during equinoxes more solar wind gets through resulting in stronger geomagnetic activity
            • Solar maximum is predicted to occur from late 2023 to early 2025 making the next few years the best for aurora hunting
            • A CME may graze Earth's magnetic field on March 2 which could trigger a minor G1-class geomagnetic storm and spark impressive aurora displays
            • March is also a great time to visit Arctic regions as the winter snow is at its deepest and daylight hours are growing visibly longer
            • It tends to be warmer and there is less cloud cover at night in March
          • Deception (50%)
            The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that March is the best month to see northern lights but fails to provide any evidence or data to support this claim. Secondly, the author uses sensationalism by stating that auroras are difficult to predict with pinpoint accuracy and then proceeds to make a definitive statement about when they can be seen. Thirdly, the article is selectively reporting as it only mentions one study from 1930-2007 which supports the claim of higher geomagnetic activity in March but fails to mention any other studies or data that contradict this claim.
            • The author claims that March is the best month to see northern lights without providing evidence or data to support this claim. This is a lie by omission.
          • Fallacies (85%)
            The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing a study from NASA without providing any context or evidence for the validity of the information presented.
            • > March is best month to see northern lights
            • < Averaged monthly number of geomagnetically disturbed days for the period 1930-2007. Geomagnetic activity appears to peak during spring and autumn months.<
          • Bias (85%)
            The article is biased towards the idea that March is the best month to see the northern lights. The author provides evidence from a study by David Hathaway which shows that March has more geomagnetically active days than any other month of the year. However, this information alone does not necessarily mean that it is easier to see auroras in March as there are many factors involved such as weather conditions and location.
            • A 75-year study from retired NASA solar physicist David Hathaway shows that March has more geomagnetically active days than any other month of the year (with October a close second), according to Spaceweather.com. On average, Earth sees six days of high geomagnetic activity in March, compared to just three in December.
              • According to Spaceweather.com, geomagnetic disturbances are almost twice as likely in spring and fall compared to winter and summer due to the Russell-McPherron effect — an explanation proposed in 1973 by geophysicists Christopher Russell and Robert McPherron.
                • According to Spaceweather.com, March's geomagnetic activity is already looking promising as experts estimate a CME may graze Earth's magnetic field late on March 2 which could in turn trigger a minor G1-class geomagnetic storm and spark impressive aurora displays.
                  • Aurora chasers are already experiencing a great aurora season thanks in large part to the heightened solar activity as we approach solar maximum — the highest rate of solar activity during the sun's approximately 11-year solar cycle. Solar maximum is predicted to occur from late 2023 to early 2025, making the next few years the best for aurora hunting.
                    • One of the most common questions aurora chasers get asked is "When is the best time to see the northern lights". While auroras are fickle creatures and difficult to predict with pinpoint accuracy, there is evidence to suggest that March is the best month of the year to see them.
                    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                      The article by Daisy Dobrijevic discusses the best month to see the northern lights and provides information on various factors that affect aurora sightings. However, there are several examples of conflicts of interest in this article.
                      • Dobrijevic mentions her own personal experience with seeing the northern lights during a trip to Norway. This could be seen as an example of a conflict of interest if she has financial ties or other interests related to tourism in that region.
                        • The article cites NASA and David Hathaway, who are experts on space weather and auroras. If Dobrijevic has any personal or professional relationships with these individuals, it could be seen as an example of a conflict of interest.
                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                          The author has multiple conflicts of interest on the topics provided. The article mentions that David Hathaway is a co-author and provides quotes from him without disclosing his affiliation with NASA/MSFC. Additionally, the article does not mention any financial ties or personal relationships between Daisy Dobrijevic and any other individuals mentioned in the article.
                          • David Hathaway
                            • NASA/MSFC - David Hathaway.

                            83%

                            The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                            (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                            A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                            Gulf Coast Welcomes Spring with Celestial Events and Extra Daylight in the Evenings

                            www.obawebsite.com Saturday, 02 March 2024 05:43
                            • Unique Points
                              • . The appearance of Venus, known poetically as the Morning Star, will brighten the southeastern horizon starting March 1st around 5:30am CT.
                              • On the evening of March 14, a brilliant crescent Moon will emerge with Jupiter hovering above. This conjunction offers a breathtaking sight and serves as a reminder of the vastness of our solar system.
                            • Accuracy
                              • March 20th is not mentioned in any other source. Therefore it cannot be considered a contradiction.
                            • Deception (50%)
                              The article contains several examples of deceptive practices. Firstly, the author does not disclose their sources and instead uses phrases such as 'OBA' which is likely an abbreviation for a company or organization that they are affiliated with. Secondly, the article makes use of sensationalism by stating that there will be a variety of celestial events in March, without providing any context on what these events actually are. Thirdly, the author uses selective reporting to only mention certain celestial events and not provide information on others that may also occur during this time. Lastly, the article makes use of emotion manipulation by stating that each event offers residents and visitors along the Gulf Coast a unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos.
                              • The article uses sensationalism to create excitement for celestial events without providing context on what they actually are
                              • The author does not disclose their sources
                              • The article makes use of emotion manipulation by stating each event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos
                              • The author selectively reports on certain celestial events and not others that may also occur during this time
                            • Fallacies (85%)
                              The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that the Gulf Coast sky watchers are set to experience a series of celestial events in March without providing any evidence or citation for this claim. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing Venus as 'poetically' known as the Morning Star and Jupiter as a 'brilliant crescent Moon'. The use of such language is not necessary to describe these celestial events and may be seen as an attempt to manipulate or persuade readers. Furthermore, the author uses dichotomous depiction when describing Daylight Saving Time as bringing longer, sunlit evenings which could be interpreted as a positive outcome but also implies that there are negative outcomes associated with it such as disrupted sleep patterns and increased energy consumption.
                              • The Gulf Coast sky watchers are set to experience a series of celestial events in March.
                            • Bias (100%)
                              None Found At Time Of Publication
                            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                              None Found At Time Of Publication
                            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                              None Found At Time Of Publication

                            60%

                            The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                            (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                            A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                            Astro Bob: Best night-sky happenings in March

                            Duluth News Tribune Bob King Thursday, 29 February 2024 23:06
                            • Unique Points
                              • The Winter Hexagon
                              • Regulus in Leo and Arcturus in Boötes the Herdsman are two early-spring luminaries that take its place in the eastern sky at mid-month.
                              • Jupiter is still the only bright nighttime planet and dominates the southwestern sky at nightfall, setting about two hours after evening twilight ends.
                            • Accuracy
                              • The Winter Hexagon is a six-sided pattern of bright stars centered on Orion the Hunter and will finally tilt into the southwestern sky in March.
                            • Deception (50%)
                              The article is deceptive in that it presents information about the Winter Hexagon and two early-spring luminaries as if they are new or unique when in fact they have been present for some time. The author also uses language such as 'arc to Arcturus' which implies a direct line between the Big Dipper handle and Arcturus, but this is not entirely accurate.
                              • The Winter Hexagon has been present since at least October 2019 according to Stellarium. The author presents it as if it is new or unique in March.
                            • Fallacies (85%)
                              The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Jupiter is the only bright nighttime planet and dominates the southwestern sky at nightfall. This statement is not supported by any evidence or scientific data, making it a false claim.
                              • Jupiter is the only bright nighttime planet and dominates the southwestern sky at nightfall.
                            • Bias (85%)
                              The article contains examples of political bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes and demonizes those who hold different views from him.
                              • ’GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has been dog-whistling to supporters of extremist far-right ideologies and wild conspiracy theories like QAnon
                                • > white supremacists online celebrated the reference to the racist and antisemitic conspiracy.
                                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                                  There are multiple examples of conflicts of interest in this article. The author has a financial stake in the topics they report on as they own and operate their website.
                                    • Arcturus
                                      • Jupiter
                                        • Mercury
                                          • Regulus
                                            • Venus
                                            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                                              There are multiple conflicts of interest found in the article. The author has a financial tie to Jupiter as they mention it dominates the southwestern sky at nightfall and sets about two hours after evening twilight ends.
                                              • Crescent moon and Jupiter in conjunction just 3 degrees apart March 14, visible from western sky at dusk
                                                • Jupiter dominates southwestern sky at nightfall and sets about two hours after evening twilight ends, mid-month