Galilean moons visible in western U.S. this week

This week from March 21 to 28 offers great opportunities for sky gazers. Astrophotography enthusiasts can enjoy the Galilean moons of Jupiter, a spectacular spiral galaxy, and the return of Venus as a morning star. On Friday, March 21, the constellation Canes Venatici rises high in the east. It's home to M63, also known as the Sunflower Galaxy. This galaxy is relatively bright and displays beautiful spiral arms. Stargazers can observe it without the interference of the Moon, which won't rise until early the next morning. On Saturday, March 22, the Last Quarter Moon occurs in the morning. Asteroid 3 Juno will be visible before sunrise, along with globular clusters M10 and M12 in the constellation Ophiuchus. Venus will also undergo inferior conjunction and will soon reappear in the morning sky. On Sunday, March 23, asteroid 4 Vesta will have a stationary period. Observers can find it in Libra. It will be visible with binoculars, along with a double star in the same constellation. On Monday, March 24, Mercury reaches inferior conjunction. Meanwhile, the Moon will pass near Pluto, but spotting the dwarf planet will be very difficult. Stargazers can look for the galaxy NGC 2403, which is also in the northern sky. Tuesday, March 25 marks a busy night around Jupiter. The moons Europa and Ganymede will transit in front of the planet. This event is mostly viewable for those in the western U.S. On Wednesday, March 26, Io will transit Jupiter alongside its shadow. This sight will be best viewed from the East Coast. Thursday, March 27 provides a final chance to watch the moons of Jupiter. Io and Europa will emerge from their shadow eclipses. Observers can track their movements across the night sky. Lastly, on Friday, March 28, Venus becomes visible just before sunrise. It will shine brightly but will be very low on the horizon. The Moon will also be present, but at just 1% illumination, it will be difficult to spot. Overall, this week promises exciting views for amateur and seasoned astronomers alike.