As we delve into the cosmic happenings of the week, prepare yourself for unmissable astronomical events that promise breathtaking views of celestial wonders.

Friday, March 28 - Stargazing Delight!

The week kicks off with the Moon passing a mere 9° south of Venus at 10 A.M. EDT, now shining brightly as a morning star before dawn. This lunar phenomenon provides an excellent opportunity for stargazers to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking early-morning sky.

Later tonight, the moonless backdrop offers incredible conditions for deep-sky observing. At dusk, the constellation Virgo is visible in the southeast. Begin your cosmic journey by locating the star 110 Virginis—a 4th-magnitude star positioned in eastern Virgo. Gradually move your telescope 1° southeast to spot NGC 5846, an elliptical galaxy that appears as a fuzzy 10th-magnitude glow, spanning about 4' across.

But wait! Just 10' further to the east lies NGC 5850, a stunning barred spiral galaxy, with its compact nucleus, prominent central bar, and a breathtaking ring structure! A larger telescope will enhance the experience, revealing the spectacular details of this spiral marvel.

- **Sunrise:** 6:50 A.M. - **Sunset:** 9:21 P.M. - **Moonrise:** 6:24 A.M. - **Moonset:** 6:43 P.M. - **Moon Phase:** Waning Crescent (1%)

Saturday, March 29 - Eclipse Showdown!

Mark your calendars as a new moon occurs today at 6:58 A.M. EDT, heralding a partial solar eclipse visible across western Europe, parts of Africa, the Arctic, and northeastern North and South America. For eclipse enthusiasts, this event is one for the books!

Remember, never look directly at the sun during the partial solar eclipse without proper eyewear like eclipse glasses, a solar filter, or use a pinhole viewer! You don't want to miss the stunning view safely!

In the UK, about one-third of the sun will be obscured, while Canadians are in for an even bigger show, with over 90% of the sun's surface hidden behind the moon!

- **Sunrise:** 6:48 A.M. - **Sunset:** 9:22 P.M. - **Moonrise:** 6:49 A.M. - **Moonset:** 8:01 P.M. - **Moon Phase:** New

Sunday, March 30 - Cosmic Close Encounters!

Today marks another highlight as the Moon reaches its perigee—its closest point to Earth—at 1:25 A.M. EDT, just 222,530 miles away. Venus also makes headlines as it passes 10° north of Saturn at 2 A.M. EDT. This stunning pair is best viewed shortly before sunrise, enhancing the excitement for early risers.

Expect to see Venus shining brightly in western Pisces with its thin amber crescent, while Saturn, though visible, will require a telescope due to the brightening dawn.

- **Sunrise:** 6:47 A.M. - **Sunset:** 9:23 P.M. - **Moonrise:** 7:16 A.M. - **Moonset:** 9:21 P.M. - **Moon Phase:** Waxing Crescent (2%)

Monday, March 31 - Explore with Binoculars!

Tonight, the crescent Moon graces the sky, standing 8° west of the planet Uranus, which you can spot with binoculars or a small telescope.

Look for the beautiful Pleiades star cluster, visible to the naked eye, forming a stunning backdrop with bright Jupiter lighting up nearby Taurus.

- **Sunrise:** 6:45 A.M. - **Sunset:** 9:24 P.M. - **Moonrise:** 7:47 A.M. - **Moonset:** 10:42 P.M. - **Moon Phase:** Waxing Crescent (8%)

Tuesday, April 1 - Rare Occultation Fun!

Prepare to witness the Moon crossing in front of the Pleiades cluster tonight in an event called occultation! This stunning display will take place in daylight from North America, making it an exceptional event for observers in western Europe and northwest Africa.

While the U.S. misses this spectacle, Mars will continue to shine brightly, moving ominously close to Kappa Geminorum this evening.

- **Sunrise:** 6:43 A.M. - **Sunset:** 9:25 P.M. - **Moonrise:** 8:23 A.M. - **Moonset:** — - **Moon Phase:** Waxing Crescent (15%)

Wednesday, April 2 - Jupiter and the Moon Steal the Show!

The Moon will glide past Jupiter tonight at 8 P.M. EDT, creating an enchanting sight in the western sky after sunset. Don’t miss your chance to catch a glimpse of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot—an Earth-sized storm!

As the night progresses, Jupiter's four Galilean moons become visible, making this evening not just a pleasure but also an educational opportunity.

- **Sunrise:** 6:42 A.M. - **Sunset:** 9:26 P.M. - **Moonrise:** 9:08 A.M. - **Moonset:** 12:02 A.M. - **Moon Phase:** Waxing Crescent (25%)

Thursday, April 3 - Discover the Wonders of Scorpius!

Early risers can marvel at the constellation Scorpius, known for its iconic tail. Ptolemy's Cluster (M7), a stunning open cluster with over 80 stars, will be within visibility, making it a fantastic target for binoculars and small telescopes alike.

- **Sunrise:** 6:40 A.M. - **Sunset:** 9:27 P.M. - **Moonrise:** 10:02 A.M. - **Moonset:** 1:15 A.M. - **Moon Phase:** Waxing Crescent (35%)

Friday, April 4 - A Quarter Moon Returns!

As we approach the weekend, the First Quarter Moon arrives at 10:15 P.M. EDT, now in Gemini and close to Mars. Observe this celestial event just below the stars Castor and Pollux and to the lower right of the Red Planet.

With half of the Moon illuminated, the terminator line will provide stunning visual details across its surface, making it ideal for telescope observers to explore lunar features.

- **Sunrise:** 6:40 A.M. - **Sunset:** 9:27 P.M. - **Moonrise:** 10:02 A.M. - **Moonset:** — - **Moon Phase:** Waxing Crescent (35%)

Don't let these incredible celestial happenings fade into the background! Grab your telescopes, binoculars, and eclipse glasses, and head outside to enjoy an unforgettable week of astronomical wonders. 🌌✨