MARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Comet Encke returns briefly in 2017, passing closest to the Sun early in March, then moving into the dawn sky. Located in Aquarius, it may be visible in binoculars in the third week of the month. Look for it a few degrees above the eastern horizon one hour before sunrise, or approximately 15° to the lower left of mag. +1.2 Fomalhaut (Alpha (_) Piscis Austrini). It should be around 5th magnitude at this time, fading to 8th magnitude by month end. It’s likely to be a reasonable telescopic object in April.