NASA’s Hubble Unexpectedly Catches Comet Breaking Up
In a happy twist of fate, NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope just witnessed a comet in the act of breaking apart. The chance of that happening while Hubble watched is extraordinarily minuscule.
Astronomy
March 3rd Lunar Eclipse
On March 3, 2026, the Pacific Northwest will get a chance to witness a total lunar eclipse.
Totality will last approximately one hour, from 3:04 AM to 4:02 AM.
Second Saturday Science Talk – The Moon: Earth’s Wondrous Companion
March’s Science Topic – The Moon
14 Mar 2026 19:00 – 21:00
Speaker: Eleanor Uyyek, BPAA Programming Coordinator
Celebrate this month’s eclipse and the planned launch of Artemis II with us! From phases to tides to the history of the space race and beyond, we’re covering all things lunar.
Astrophotography Special Interest Group
Ever thought of dipping your toes into astrophotography? Want to chat with other astrophotographers? The next meeting of the Battle Point Observatory’s Astrophotography Special Interest Group will be on Saturday, March 14, at 11 AM in the Gardiner Library inside of the Battle Point Observatory. Come join the fun with a group of easy-going people with an interest (passion?) for astrophotography. The discussions are wide ranging with no experience necessary, just bring your curiosity! For more information or get looped in, contact Chuck Wraith (cawraith@bpastro.org).
Zoom Programming: What’s Up Next Month?
Special Zoom-only event on the last Thursday of every month!
Thursday, March 26th at 6:00 pm
March Planetarium Shows
Our weekly planetarium shows continue this month on March 7, 14, & 28 at 12:30 and 2:30! Exact content is flexible based on audience interest, but common topics include constellations, planets, seasons, and astronomy history. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children with a $5 discount for members.
Celebrate the Universe!
Join BPAA and Dark Sky Olympic Peninsula for a variety of local programs during April for International Dark Sky Week, April 13 – 20, 2026
Comet Neowise (c/2020 F3) Over Quilcene Bay
Credit: Alan Herold This spectacular image of Comet Neowise was taken by member Alan Herold at 11pm in July of 2020 from the eastern shore of Quilcene Bay. Nikon D80 DSLR, 45mm lens, f/5.6, 10 sec exp. This comet will not be back to our inner solar system for another 6800 years!
WHAT’S UP(COMING)! – Observation Calendar Mar-May 2026
Source for events and links below are In-The-Sky.org, Dominic Ford, Editor. The links provide details for each event including a scale on how difficult they are to observe. Additionally, here’s a link to a printable PDF for “Navigating the mid March Night Sky” from our friends at the Astronomical League! Mar 3 – Total lunar eclipse – Full Moon Mar 18 – New Moon Mar 20 – Conjunction of the Moon and Venus – March equinox Mar 21 – Asteroid 20 Massalia at opposition Mar 22 – Mercury at highest altitude in morning sky Mar 23 – Close approach of the Moon and M45 Mar 26 – Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter Mar 27 – Close approach of the Moon and M44 Apr 1 – 136472 Makemake at opposition – Full Moon Apr 2 – The Sombrero Galaxy is well placed Apr 3 – Mercury at greatest elongation west Apr 5 – Messier 94 is well placed Apr 15 – The Whirlpool Galaxy is well placed Apr 17 – New Moon Apr 18 – Messier 3 is well placed Apr 15 – Close approach of the Moon and M45 Apr 22 – Conjunction of the […]