As March reaches its final fortnight, the evening skies over Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh are exceptionally clear, offering stargazers a rare opportunity to witness extraordinary celestial events. From planetary alignments to crescent moons and the radiant presence of stellar constellations, the nation’s night skies are set to stage a grand cosmic theatre. These phenomena will be observable until 31 March, providing astronomy enthusiasts with a truly spectacular spectacle.
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The Majestic Planetary Parade
The famed planetary parade, which began in February, continues through the latter half of March, with subtle changes in planetary positions enhancing the display:
Venus will dominate the western sky immediately after sunset from 16 March onwards, shining brighter than usual and easily visible to the naked eye.
Mercury, often hidden due to its proximity to the Sun, will be sufficiently distant to be observed in Dhaka’s twilight skies.
Jupiter, the largest planet in the Solar System, will command the mid-sky. Its four major moons, the Galilean satellites, can be seen clearly through a telescope.
Saturn rises in the eastern horizon just before sunrise. The final week of March offers the best opportunity to observe the planet’s iconic rings.
| Planet | Sky Position | Observation Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venus | West | After sunset | Brightest evening star |
| Mercury | West | After sunset | Typically difficult to see |
| Jupiter | Mid-sky | Evening | Galilean moons visible |
| Saturn | East | Pre-dawn | Ring system observable |
Celestial Conjunctions
Between 20 and 25 March, the crescent moon will pass near several planets, creating a stunning visual:
20–22 March: Crescent Moon approaches Venus and Mercury, appearing as if the moon is embracing Venus against the twilight sky.
25 March: The moon will draw close to Jupiter. This luminous conjunction can be enjoyed with the naked eye in areas free of light pollution, requiring no telescope or binoculars.
The Spring Equinox
On 20 March 2026, the Spring Equinox occurs, marking the day when the Sun rises exactly in the east and sets exactly in the west. Day and night will be nearly equal in length across Bangladesh. This astronomical milestone signals the full arrival of spring and represents a key seasonal transition.
Stellar Constellations and the Milky Way
Late March, after 10 pm:
Orion (the Hunter) will dominate the overhead sky, with its iconic belt of three stars clearly visible.
Sirius, the brightest star, will shine in the south-east.
Ursa Major will illuminate the northern sky.
Outside major cities like Dhaka, observers may also glimpse the faint, misty glow of the Milky Way, creating a breathtaking deep-sky vista.
Observation Tips
Best Time: Twilight (18:30–19:30) until 31 March
Best Locations: Rooftops or open fields for unobstructed western horizon views
Equipment: Venus, Jupiter, and Mars are visible to the naked eye. Saturn’s rings and Uranus’ bluish hue require at least a 10×50 binocular.
With these phenomena, March offers Bangladesh a cosmic spectacle combining planetary grandeur, lunar elegance, and stellar brilliance, perfect for both amateur and dedicated stargazers.