Cosmic Wonders Visible Over Bangladesh

As March unfolds, the evening skies over Bangladesh are offering an unusually clear and transparent view, creating a spectacular celestial theatre for stargazers. From Dhaka to remote corners of the country, rare astronomical events—including planetary alignments, lunar apparitions, and prominent star clusters—can be observed. These extraordinary sights will continue until 31 March, providing a treat for both amateur and seasoned skywatchers.

The Royal Planetary Parade

The famed planetary parade, which began in February, will continue through the latter half of March with subtle changes in planetary positions:

Venus: From 16 March onwards, Venus will shine exceptionally bright in the western sky immediately after sunset. Known commonly as the evening star, its brilliance during this period will be particularly striking.

Mercury: Situated close to Venus, Mercury is usually challenging to spot due to its proximity to the Sun. However, in March it moves sufficiently away from the Sun, making it clearly visible at twilight from Dhaka.

Jupiter: Dominating the mid-sky, Jupiter will remain prominent throughout the month. Through a telescope, its four largest moons—known as the Galilean moons—are easily observable.

Saturn: Rising in the eastern sky just before sunrise, Saturn’s iconic rings can be admired best during the final week of March.

Planetary Visibility in March

Celestial Conjunctions

Between 20–25 March, the crescent Moon will traverse close to various planets, creating visually striking alignments:

20–22 March: The crescent Moon will appear near Venus and Mercury, giving the illusion of an embrace on the twilight canvas.

25 March: The Moon approaches Jupiter, forming a vivid pairing of bright Jupiter and the silvery Moon, observable even without binoculars from dark skies in and around Dhaka.

Spring Equinox

The 2026 spring equinox falls on 20 March. On this day, the Sun rises precisely in the east and sets in the west, resulting in nearly equal day and night. Observers across Bangladesh will witness this celestial milestone, marking the full arrival of spring and a significant astronomical marker for seasonal transition.

Star Clusters and the Milky Way

Late March nights, post 10 PM, offer clear views of prominent constellations:

Orion: Visible overhead, its famous “belt” of three stars is easily recognisable.

Sirius: Positioned south-east of Orion, this is the brightest star in the night sky.

Ursa Major: Dominating the northern sky, this constellation’s stars remain easily identifiable even in light-polluted areas like Dhaka.

In darker, open areas, observers may also catch a faint glimpse of the Milky Way, adding a subtle ethereal glow to the night.

Observation Tips

Ideal Time: 6:30–7:30 PM until 31 March

Location: Rooftops or open fields with unobstructed western horizons

Equipment: Naked eyes suffice for Venus, Jupiter, and Mars. To observe Saturn’s rings or Uranus’ bluish tint, a 10×50 binocular is recommended.

March’s skies over Bangladesh promise a rare combination of planetary brilliance, lunar beauty, and stellar grandeur, creating a truly memorable cosmic spectacle for enthusiasts of all ages.