Three Public Star Gazes in March
Image credit: club member Jerry Sherman – taken at Grassland Mtn. Observatory
Continue to check this home page as weather could change the venue or postpone and possibly cancel a star gaze. Check again after 4:00 p.m. on the afternoon of the observing session for the latest info and update.
Friday – March 6th, 12:30 p.m. update: Weather conditions look promising for tonight’s star gaze at Grassland Mtn. Obs. Dress warmly. Sunset is 6:30 p.m. Observable planets tonight include Venus, Neptune, & Saturn early, and Jupiter & Uranus as well. The temporary gate code is the following 5 characters, entered in quick succession: #3602. You may reach someone at the observatory by calling 828-231-6714.
6 Mar. 2026 — Friday night — This public star gaze will be held at Grassland Mountain Observatory in Madison County, with a weather backup night of Saturday, 7 March. This event is free and open to everyone — registration is not necessary to attend. A temporary gate code, required for entry, will be provided here on the day of the star gaze by 4:00 p.m. Directions to Grassland Mountain Observatory can be found here. These star gazes normally conclude about 3 to 4 hours after sunset, and visitors are not permitted to stay past the conclusion time. Sunset occurs at 6:30 p.m.
13 Mar. 2026 — Friday night — This public star gaze will be held at Grassland Mountain Observatory in Madison County, with a weather backup night of Saturday, 14 March. This event is free and open to everyone — registration is not necessary to attend. A temporary gate code, required for entry, will be provided here on the day of the star gaze by 4:00 p.m. Directions to Grassland Mountain Observatory can be found here. These star gazes normally conclude about 3 to 4 hours after sunset, and visitors are not permitted to stay past the conclusion time. Sunset occurs at 7:36 p.m.
20 Mar. 2026 — Friday night — The location for this star gaze will be Lookout Observatory on the UNC Asheville campus, with a weather backup date of Saturday, 21 March. While the event is free and open to everyone, pre-registration is required to attend. To learn more about how to register, please visit the UNCA Lookout Observatory website here. Sunset occurs at 7:42 p.m., with shuttle service beginning about 8:30 p.m.
6-19 Mar. 2026
– Catch the Elusive Zodiacal Light
8 Mar. 2026
– Daylight Saving Time Begins
8 Mar. 2026
– Venus and Saturn Trade Places at Dusk
Illustration courtesy of
SKY & TELESCOPE
20 March 2026 Northern Hemisphere Vernal Equinox
