March Skies: Yerington Welcomes Spring Under the Stars

Mason Valley NV – March 2026

As winter loosens its grip and March arrives, the skies above Yerington set the stage for one of the most remarkable celestial events of the year. This month brings a rare chance to watch the Moon, planets, and stars put on a performance that engages both seasoned skywatchers and curious newcomers alike.

The highlight for March is a total lunar eclipse on the night of March 2 into the early morning of March 3. Known to many as a “Blood Moon,” this eclipse happens when Earth’s shadow completely covers the Moon, often casting it in coppery hues of deep orange and red. For observers in the western United States, including Nevada, the eclipse will unfold before sunrise, offering a striking spectacle as the Worm Moon slowly drifts through Earth’s shadow. During the peak of totality, the reddish glow can endure for close to an hour.

Before and after the eclipse, the Moon’s journey across the sky will be easy to follow with the naked eye. After March 3, the Moon will move through waning phases toward New, giving darker skies ideal for observing fainter stars and planets. Around the middle of the month, skywatchers may notice the Moon crossing paths with glittering planets like Venus low in the western sky just after sunset, creating beautiful low-horizon pairings that are perfect for a binocular view.

March also marks the arrival of spring with the March equinox on March 20, when day and night become nearly equal in length as the Sun crosses the celestial equator heading northward. This transition brings a subtle shift in the backdrop of stars at night and tells us that longer evenings of stargazing lie ahead.

In addition to these main events, March sits within a broader season of lesser meteor activity from the Virginid complex, a series of humble meteor streams active from late winter into spring. While these won’t produce dramatic showers, with a dark sky and patience you might catch a few faint streaks from time to time.

To make the most of these March nights, find a comfortable spot away from town lights, bundle up against the chilly breeze, and let your eyes adapt to the darkness. Whether you’re watching the Moon’s copper transformation during the eclipse or tracking planetary partners near the horizon, March 2026 skies over Yerington are rich with moments worth savoring.

Sources: Astronomy calendars from Sea and Sky and Almanac; Wikipedia; Space.com news on the 2026 lunar eclipse. (seasky.org)