Starting with the Winter Solstice in December and ending with the Spring Equinox on March 20, winter is the shortest astronomical season, because the Earth is at its closest to the sun and so moves more quickly in its orbit.

There will be less chance of seeing the aurora now with daylight becoming longer – and don’t forget the clocks spring forward on Sunday, March 30 - one hour less in bed. Keep up to date at www.spaceweather.com

That reluctant Nova T Cor Bor is still keeping its head down. Even if it does explode, we won’t see it - the Northern Crown doesn’t rise above the horizon in the hours of darkness at this time of year.

The phases of the moon are: First Quarter, March 6; Full Moon, March 14; Last Quarter, March 22; New Moon, March 29. This month's Full Moon is known as the Worm Moon, named for the earthworms that appear in the thawing soil.

Look out for a total lunar eclipse - when the moon moves into the Earth's shadow - on Friday, March 14, starting in the early hours of the morning and total at 7am.

There will also be a partial solar eclipse - when the moon passes between Earth and the sun - on Saturday, March 29, expected to start around 10am and end at noon.

Mercury is best seen in the south-west, setting a little before Venus on March 8. It is pretty bright, although often overlooked.

Tuesday, March 4 is Mars Day, a free virtual event for schools presented by the UK Space Education Office to explore space and Mars. The Observatory will be open most of the day, with special activities in Truro High School for Girls.

Brian Sheen runs the Roseland Observatory, which is based in Truro High School for Girls.

Visit www.roselandobservatory.co.uk and www.facebook.com/roselandobservatory