The night sky in March

“As the winter constellations drift westwards I always feel that there is a gap in the night sky where there are fewer bright stars,” says Ken Kennedy of Dundee Astronomical Society.

“Between Gemini and Leo we find the rather faint constellation Cancer, the crab. The stars of Cancer are quite difficult to see in urban areas, but are easier to see from a darker location.

“This faint constellation is home to a fine open star cluster which Charles Messier numbered 44 in his catalogue in 1769. It is also known by the names Praesepe and Beehive Cluster and is one of the closest open clusters to earth at a distance of 590 light years.

“It was one of the first objects observed by Galileo with his new telescope in 1609 and covers an area three times that of the full moon so is an ideal object to observe with binoculars. If you feel like counting the stars you should manage at least 50.

“Not far below M44 is another smaller star cluster designated M67. This lies at a distance of 2,600 light years and covers an area about the same size as the full moon.

“Below Cancer and slightly west is the star Procyon, the brightest of another faint constellation, Canis Minor, the lesser dog. To the east of Procyon lies an area which is devoid of brighter stars.

“In this area is the constellation Hydra which descends in a straggling line of faint stars into the southern hemisphere making it poorly accessible to northern hemisphere observers.

“The moon is full on the 2nd, at last quarter on the 9th, new on the 17th and at first quarter on March 24.”

Mills Observatory is open from 4pm – 10pm, Monday to Friday and 12.30pm – 4pm Saturday and Sunday. There will be planetarium shows on Fridays March 2, 16 and 30 at 7pm, 7.45pm, 8.30pm and 9.15pm.

Booking for these events is essential on 01382 435967 and there is a charge of £1 for adults and 50p for children. With the exception of these events there is no charge for entry to the observatory.

The final talk of the winter series of monthly astronomical talks will be on Saturday March 17 from 2–3pm. This will be given by David Paterson of Dundee Astronomical Society and is entitled ‘Astronomy and the Art of Navigation’.

These talks are more suitable for adults and older children. There is no charge for these talks but booking at 01382 435967 is essential.

Alan Cormack has sent in this attractive picture. “The sunsets are stunning in February, but they fizzle out all too soon,” he says.

“This wee long tailed tit seems to have broken away from his group and was enjoying the freedom at Morton lochs,” says Eric Niven. ● If you have a story for Craigie email: craigie@ thecourier.co.uk