March Stargazing

March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb?   This year it's more like March comes in like an icicle.  We'll see how it goes out.  Meanwhile, keep your eye on the sky.

SkyTips: March 2013

 

Solar Sculptor

The Cassini spacecraft observes the interaction between the solar wind and Saturn's magnetic field in this artist's concept. Saturn's magnetic field, which is generated by the planet's rotation, extends far into space. But as the solar wind hits the magnetic field (a region depicted in blue), it pushes the field toward Saturn on the Sun-facing side, and far into space on the Sun-trailing side. [NASA/JPL]

Stargazing Summary

The warmer nights of spring bring a panoply of new stars and constellations for skywatchers to enjoy. Leo is in good view by nightfall, climbing straight up from the eastern horizon, led by his bright "heart," the star Regulus. Virgo follows the lion a couple of hours later. Auriga, the charioteer, is to the maiden's left, marked by yellow-orange Arcturus, one of the brightest stars in the night sky. The brilliant planet Jupiter dominates the evening sky, with the orange "eye" of Taurus close by.

More stargazing information »

Radio Program Highlights

Support StarDate: Help us keep our date with the stars by making a tax-deductible donation to StarDate.

March 4-10: Planets and more. A planet-hunting spacecraft has discovered thousands of possible worlds outside our solar system. But it's also discovering new details about stars, quasars, and much more. Join us for the latest on the Kepler mission and more.

March 11-17: New eyes. Astronomers are gathering in Chile this week to celebrate the start of a giant new telescope. At the same time, they're putting a giant camera to work on another telescope in Chile. Join us for this and much more.

March 18-24: Neutron stars. The dead cores of once-mighty stars still have some might left in them. They power the objects known as pulsars, and they may emit powerful bursts of energy when they merge with other objects. Join us for neutron stars and more.

March 25-31: Moon meanderings. The Moon passes a couple of bright stars and the planet Saturn this week, and we'll have details. And we'll also talk about a star that may have zapped Earth more than 12 centuries ago. Join us for this and much more.

March program schedule »

Hear StarDate every day on more than 300 radio stations nationwide. Find an affiliate »

See the Next Major Space Telescope at SxSW

Northrop Grumman, builders of the James Webb Space Telescope, will host free events plus a full-scale model of the telescope March 8-10 in Austin at the South by Southwest Interactive Festival. Astronomers from The University of Texas at Austin and NASA will give public talks, and local astronomy clubs will host nightly star parties. No festival ticket required!

Details »

This Month in StarDate Magazine

In our March/April issue, bone up on the different types of exploding stars called supernovae, and why they matter. Also, find out why binoculars are great for stargazing and learn how to view some of the best binocular sights in the sky.

StarDate magazine keeps you in touch with the universe with detailed skywatching information, in-depth features, the latest astronomy news, and more. Subscribe today »

News From the Observatory

Catch up with McDonald AstronomersWant to know what astronomers are doing under the domes this week at McDonald? You can always check it out on our website. Read along as they search for extrasolar planets, weigh black holes in the hearts of massive galaxies, decode the chemical contents of stars and gas clouds to learn the history of the Milky Way, and more.

Show Your Support for Science Education

Your membership in the Friends of McDonald Observatory will help us serve thousands of K-12 students and teachers a year through engaging, inquiry-based science programs, and will extend the wonder of astronomy and space science to millions of others in the U.S. through our public education and outreach programs and StarDate Radio broadcasts.

Join the Friends of McDonald today »

Get Social with us

Keep up with all the news and video from McDonald Observatory on all your favorite social media platforms. "Like" us on Facebook, "follow" us on Twitter, and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Like us on Facebook: McDonald Observatory | StarDate 

Follow us on Twitter: McDonald Observatory | StarDate 

Subscribe on YouTube: McDonald Observatory | StarDate 

About SkyTips

SkyTips is a monthly email newsletter for visitors to McDonald Observatory and StarDate Online. Each issue features stargazing highlights, upcoming StarDate radio program descriptions, and other news. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends and family.

SkyTips is a publication of the University of Texas McDonald Observatory Education and Outreach Office, 2609 University Ave. A2100, Austin, TX 78712. Reproduction of SkyTips content is permitted with proper credit given to McDonald Observatory.