6-19 Mar. 2026
– Catch the Elusive Zodiacal Light
Two 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 – Mar. 13th, 8:30 a.m. update: Weather conditions look very good for tonight’s star gaze at Grassland Mtn. Obs. Dress warmly. Sunset is 7:36 p.m. Highlights tonight include Venus, Uranus, and Jupiter, plus possible sightings of the Belt of Venus, the Zodiacal Light, and the ISS. The temporary gate code is the following 5 characters, entered in quick succession: #0949. You may reach someone at the observatory by calling 828-231-6714.
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.
20 March 2026 Northern Hemisphere Vernal Equinox
20 Mar. 2026
– Conjunction of the Moon with Venus at Dusk
25-26 Mar. 2026
– The Moon Sails By Jupiter in Gemini
Illustration courtesy of
SKY & TELESCOPE
