Topic: Space
Get ready for a spectacular September skywatching experience! The dazzling Venus will shine brightly, while the Harvest Moon appears near Saturn and Neptune. Don't miss International Observe the Moon Night on September 19.
September brings a busy lineup for skywatchers, including a dazzling Venus, a Harvest Moon near Saturn and Neptune, the seasonal equinox, and opportunities to use the Moon as a guide to some recognizable stars and Milky Way features.
The Moon helps point the way to a celestial teapot, Venus becomes exceptionally bright, the seasons officially turn, and the Harvest Moon appears with two planetary companions. Between September 14 and 20, the Moon can serve as a useful guide to several notable sights in the night sky. About an hour after sunset, face south and locate the Moon. Its position will change from one evening to the next as it moves against the more distant background stars.
Along the way, it will pass close to Antares. Antares is a bright reddish star that represents the heart of the constellation Scorpius. Nearby in the constellation Sagittarius is another easy-to-recognize pattern of stars known as the Teapot. Its stars form a shape that resembles a teapot, including a handle, lid, and spout.
From a location with especially dark skies, you might also notice a faint, cloudy band that appears to rise like steam from the Teapot's spout. Trace that hazy glow toward its densest region, and you will be looking in the direction of the center of the Milky Way galaxy.
Venus Reaches Peak Brilliance On September 18, turn toward the west to see Venus at peak brilliance during this evening appearance. The planet should be easy to identify. Not long after sunset, Venus will appear as an intensely bright point of light low above the western horizon, shining more brightly than any star around it.
An unobstructed view toward the horizon will make it easier to see before Venus disappears below it. International Observe the Moon Night September 19 is International Observe the Moon Night. People around the globe are encouraged to spend time observing our nearest celestial neighbor while learning about lunar science, exploration, and the Moon's influence on cultures throughout history.
Find an event near you or learn how to participate from wherever you are at go.nasa.gov/ObserveTheMoon. The September Equinox Changes the Seasons On September 22, fall officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere, while spring starts in the Southern Hemisphere. This date marks the September equinox, when the Sun is positioned directly above Earth's equator and the lengths of day and night are close to equal across much of the planet.
After the equinox, daylight continues to decrease in the Northern Hemisphere while increasing in the Southern Hemisphere. Harvest Moon Rises Near Saturn and Neptune On September 26, the Harvest Moon becomes the main attraction, rising in the eastern sky shortly after sunset. Saturn will appear nearby, while the much fainter Neptune forms a broad triangle with Saturn and the Moon.
Saturn is bright enough to see with the unaided eye. Neptune presents more of a challenge. At around magnitude 8, the distant planet is too dim to spot without optical assistance, so binoculars or a telescope will be needed.
Why It Matters
Understanding astronomy can help us appreciate the beauty and complexity of our universe. By observing celestial events like the Harvest Moon, we can also learn about the Earth's rotation and the changing seasons.
Key Facts
- The dazzling Venus will shine brightly in September skies.
- The Harvest Moon appears near Saturn and Neptune on September 26.
- International Observe the Moon Night is on September 19.
- September 22 marks the September equinox, when fall begins in the Northern Hemisphere and spring starts in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Saturn is bright enough to see with the unaided eye, while Neptune requires optical assistance.
Key Terms
- equinox
- The time of year when day and night are almost equal in length.
- magnitude
- A measure of how bright a star or planet appears in the sky.
Implications
Understanding astronomy can help us appreciate the beauty and complexity of our universe. By observing celestial events like the Harvest Moon, we can also learn about the Earth's rotation and the changing seasons.
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