The sky of Tokyo, Calendar, Planets (March, 2018)

The sky of Tokyo

Calendar (March)

Planets

Mercury

In the beginning of March, Mercury’s apparent location is close to the Sun, so it is not suited for observation. Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation on March 16. It can be easily found in the lower western sky several days before and after March 16. From March 11 to March 20, at 30 minutes after sunset, its elevation as seen from Tokyo is higher than 10 degrees. In the end of March, its apparent location is close to the Sun, making observations difficult. Its brightness is -0.8 magnitude to 0.7 magnitude from March 11 to March 20.

Venus

Venus shines in the lower western sky just after sunset. In the end of March, 30 minutes after sunset, its elevation as seen from Tokyo is higher than 10 degrees. Its brightness is -3.9 magnitude.

Mars

In the beginning of the month, Mars is located in the constellation Ophiuchus and moves east (direct motion). In the middle of the month, it moves to the constellation Sagittarius. It can be seen in the southern sky before sunrise. Its brightness is 0.8 magnitude to 0.3 magnitude.

Jupiter

Jupiter moves east (direct motion) in the constellation Libra and reaches its stationary point on March 9. After passing the stationary point, it moves to the west (retrograde motion). At the stationary point, Jupiter seems to stop with respect to the stars. It can be seen before sunrise moving from the southern to southwestern sky. Its brightness is -2.2 magnitude to -2.4 magnitude.

Saturn

Saturn moves east (direct motion) in the constellation Sagittarius. It can be seen before sunrise moving from the southeastern to southern sky. Its brightness is 0.6 magnitude to 0.5 magnitude.