Below is your observing guide for March and April 2026. If this is the first of our observation guides you have visited, you may wish to review our Observing Guides page, as it contains a lot of valuable information. The page details what is presented here and how to get the most out of the guide.
As spring arrives in the northern hemisphere, the nights become shorter but still offer excellent stargazing opportunities. This guide highlights some of the better targets you should plan to observe. While it doesn’t list all targets, it will give you a good starting point.
For those in the southern hemisphere, autumn brings longer nights and excellent viewing conditions for many celestial wonders.
If you didn’t follow our observing guide for January and February 2026, it is not too late to catch some of those targets.
How to Use This Observing Guide for March and April 2026
The observing guide lists eight categories of astronomical features that may be observed. These are: key constellations, objects near each celestial pole, the Moon and its phases, planets that will be visible, eclipses, conjunctions, meteor showers and comets. Don’t worry if you don’t know what these are, as there are explanations for each.
Where possible, it is indicated if each target is visible to the naked eye, using binoculars or if a telescope is required.
The observation guide includes tips on how to observe each type of object.
To aid your sessions, we have included links to each object in the web version of Stellarium. You can click on the highlighted text or the constellation images. If, for some reason, the link doesn’t work, but you arrive at Stellarium, search for the object in the search bar. To change the time to your current time, click on the time in the lower right and click on the small clock between the date and the time, as circled to the right.
Due to time zones, the timing of conjunctions at the time of the closest approach depends on your time zone. As such, the link may not take you to when the two bodies are at their closest.
If you are very new to stargazing, we suggest first identifying the constellations detailed below. Locate them and trace out their shape. This will help you learn to navigate the night sky. The time spent will make things much easier when you attempt to locate smaller and fainter targets.
If possible, you should attempt to find a dark site. This will allow you to see all of the targets below. In a large city, the bright sky will wash out all but the brightest objects.
As always, allowing your eyes to become dark-adapted is a good idea. This can take 30 minutes. During this time, you can study the brighter stars. Remember to use red light and/or a dark theme on any devices you use.
For dimmer objects, averted vision. We instinctively look directly at what we wish to see. This places the object in the area of the eye that sees color best and in sharp detail. However, it is not the most sensitive part of the eye. To see dim objects, avert your eyes a little. Experiment with averted vision to find where the best spot is for you.
Unless otherwise noted, all photographs of celestial objects in the observation guide are taken by the author. They were either taken through a moderately sized refracting telescope or using a DSLR on a tripod. Keep in mind that these photographs are long exposure and are enhanced. They do not present what you will see with the naked eye.
Key Constellations
A constellation is a recognized pattern of stars in the night sky. They form shapes or configurations that often resemble animals, mythological creatures, people, or objects. These patterns were identified and named by ancient civilizations to help map the heavens and navigate both land and sea. Some of the most well-known constellations, like Orion, Ursa Major, and the Zodiac constellations, are steeped in myths and legends from ancient cultures.
It is important to understand that the stars in a constellation usually aren’t physically close to each other. The shapes are only based on how the stars appear from Earth.
Below is a list of constellations easily observable in the Months of March and April.
Leo
Leo, the Lion, is one of the most distinctive constellations in the spring sky. Its bright stars form a clear pattern resembling a crouching lion, with the bright star Regulus marking the lion’s heart. This majestic constellation has been recognized since ancient times and is one of the zodiac constellations.
The constellation contains several notable deep-sky objects, making it a favorite target for amateur astronomers. The Leo Triplet, a group of three interacting galaxies (M65, M66, and NGC 3628), provides a spectacular view through telescopes and is a popular target for astrophotography.
Leo Triplet taken with a moderate-sized refractor telescope.
Cancer
Cancer, the Crab, is a faint zodiacal constellation best known for hosting one of the sky’s finest open clusters, M44 (the Beehive Cluster). While its stars are relatively dim, making it challenging to spot from light-polluted areas, Cancer’s position between the bright constellations of Gemini and Leo helps locate it.
Hydra, the Water Snake, is the largest of the 88 modern constellations. Stretching across nearly one-quarter of the celestial equator, this sprawling constellation contains several interesting deep-sky objects, though its stars are relatively faint.
Naked eye:
Alphard (α Hydrae): The constellation’s brightest star
The Souther Pinwheel Galaxy (M38) taken through a moderately-sized refractor telescope.
Ursa Major
Ursa Major Constellation
Ursa Major, the Great Bear, is perhaps the most recognizable northern constellation. It contains the famous Big Dipper asterism. This circumpolar constellation (never setting below the horizon for many northern observers) offers a wealth of deep-sky objects for observers of all levels.
Vela, the Sails, was originally part of the larger constellation Argo Navis (representing Jason’s ship), which was later divided into three separate constellations: Vela (the Sails), Puppis (the Stern), and Carina (the Keel). This southern constellation is rich in deep-sky objects, particularly since it lies along the Milky Way.
The constellation contains several notable objects, including the spectacular Vela Supernova Remnant, parts of which are visible in amateur telescopes under dark skies. The Gum Nebula, an enormous region of faint emission nebulosity, also spans parts of this constellation.
Vela is a southern constellation visible from the Southern Hemisphere.
Naked eye:
γ² Velorum: The brightest star in the constellation, actually a multiple-star system
False Cross asterism: Formed by stars from Vela and Carina
IC 2391 (Omicron Velorum Cluster): Bright open cluster
Note: Visibility depends on the observer’s latitude; it is best viewed from southern locations.
Sextans
Sextans, the Sextant, is a faint constellation created by Johannes Hevelius in 1687. Named after the astronomical measuring instrument, this small constellation lies on the celestial equator between Leo and Hydra. While its stars are relatively dim, making it challenging to spot from light-polluted areas, Sextans contains several interesting deep-sky objects for telescope observers.
Naked eye:
No bright stars or deep-sky objects visible to the naked eye
Can be found between Regulus (in Leo) and Alphard (in Hydra)
Binoculars:
NGC 3115 (Spindle Galaxy): Appears as a faint, elongated patch
The northern celestial pole region remains relatively unchanged from previous months, offering consistent circumpolar targets for observation. The primary marker remains Polaris, the North Star, which stays nearly stationary while other stars appear to rotate around it.
For southern hemisphere observers, the summer months of January and February offer excellent views of the southern celestial pole region and its rich collection of objects.
The shape of the Moon changes each night because of the relative positions of the Moon, Earth and Sun. We only ever get to see one side of the Moon.
March 2026:
Full Moon: March 3 (Worm Moon, total lunar eclipse)
Last Quarter: March 11
New Moon: March 18
First Quarter: March 25
April 2026:
Full Moon: April 1 (Pink Moon)
Last Quarter: April 9
New Moon: April 16
First Quarter: April 24
Impact of Moon Phases on Observation
Plan deep-sky observations around the New Moon periods
The days around the First and Last Quarter offer dramatic views of lunar features
Remember that the Moon rises approximately 50 minutes later each day
Visible Planets in March and April 2026
Mercury:
Best time to view Mercury is on April 3 when it is at its greatest elongation.
Visibility: visible in the eastern sky prior to dawn, progressively becoming lower in the sky.
Greatest elongation: April 3, 2026.
Venus:
At the beginning of March, Venus will be low in the sky at sunset, making it difficult to observe. It will become higher in the sky as the period progresses
Look for it in the western sky just after sunset.
Mars:
Location: in Aquarius
Visibility: very low in the sky in the eastern morning sky. The positions will improve as it gets higher in the sky in April.
Best viewing: pre-dawn, later in April
Jupiter:
Location: in Gemini
Visibility: visible for the first half of the night
Best viewing: Early in the night while it is high
Saturn:
Location: in Pisces
Visibility: starts very low in the western sky at sunset in early March, then disappears behind the sun. By mid-April it reappears in the pre-dawn eastern sky
Best viewing: During this period the best viewing is in the second half of April
The planet’s rings will not be at a low angle
Uranus:
Location: in Taurus, not far from the Pleiades star cluster
Visibility: High in the sky after sunset, getting lower as the night goes on
Neptune:
Location: in Pisces near Saturn
Visibility: very low in the sky in the eastern morning sky. The positions will improve as it gets higher in the sky in April.
Returns to the morning sky in late April
Lunar eclipse
Eclipses in March and April 2026
Total Lunar Eclipse:
Date: March 2-3, 2026
Visible in parts of North America, Asia and Australia: a total lunar eclipse. A partial eclipse will be visible in South America.
For more information on this event, see The Next Lunar Eclipse. The page also contains valuable information on lunar eclipses. At some point after this event, the linked page will be updated with details of the next lunar eclipse.
Solar Eclipse:
No visible solar eclipses this preiod
Date: Aug 12, 2026 (see The Next Solar Eclipse – will be updated after the eclipse on Feb 17)
Lunar conjunctions are visible to the naked eye. They provide excellent opportunities for astrophotography.
For planetary conjunctions, binoculars can enhance the view, allowing you to see both objects in the same field of view.
Conjunctions involving Uranus are good opportunities to locate this faint planet using the much more visible Moon as a guide. Use binoculars or a small telescope.
While these conjunctions are visible from most locations on Earth, the exact appearance and timing can vary slightly depending on your location. Always check local astronomical resources for precise timing and visibility information.
Remember, conjunctions are line-of-sight events. The objects aren’t actually close to each other in space; they just appear close from our viewpoint on Earth.
When clicking the links to view the event in Stellarium, remember to ensure that your location and time are set correctly.
Notes: This list includes the most notable conjunctions. There may be additional, less prominent conjunctions during this period. Check astronomical almanacs or reliable online sources closer to the date for a complete list and the most accurate timing information. The separation angle is to the closest half-degree.
Meteor Showers in March and April
Lyrids:
Active period: April 16-25
Peak: April 22-23
Parent body: Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher)
ZHR: 10-15 (ZHR = Zenith Hourly Rate)
Notes: known for bright, fast meteors
Excellent conditions as the Moon will be a thin crescent that sets early
Observing Tips for Meteor Showers
Choose a dark site away from city lights
Allow 30 minutes for dark adaptation
Use a reclining chair or blanket
Best viewing typically after midnight
No optical aid needed
Be patient – activity comes in spurts
Comets
Comet C/2025 R3 (PANSTARRS)
This newly discovered comet is predicted to reach its brightest in late April 2026. While comets are famously unpredictable, current estimates suggest it could reach binocular visibility (Mag 8) or even naked-eye visibility (Mag 3) as it passes through Pisces and Cetus.
Other Notable events
This section contains the details of other astronomical events you can not directly observe. It gives details of events that you may find of interest.
On March 20, the Sun crosses the equator and is at one point directly above it. This means that the Sun moves from the Southern Hemisphere into the North. It is also a day when there are equal amounts of day and night in all parts of the World. This is called an equinox. The name given to this event is the vernal equinox. The Autumnal equinox is the second that occurs every year, and it occurs in September.
I found astronomy while working in dark rural locations. Initially, I explored the night sky and learnt the constellations before purchasing a pair of binoculars to further my knowledge of the sky.
My first telescope was a 200 mm Newtonian reflector on an equatorial mount. I found that this telescope had a steep learning curve but was a rewarding experience.
As time progressed, I became interested in astrophotography. This resulted in purchasing a 110 mm refracting telescope and a dedicated monochrome-cooled astronomical camera. This resulted in another very rewarding steep learning curve that far surpassed the experience with my first telescope.
I have joined Telescope Guru to share my knowledge of telescopes and astronomy.
