As September unfolds, stargazers are in for an exciting month filled with notable celestial events. On September 21, Saturn will reach opposition, providing an exceptional opportunity to observe the planet in its brightest state. This means Saturn will rise in the east at sunset, remaining visible throughout the night. At the beginning of the month, the planet can be spotted in the southeastern sky around 22:00 local time, positioned approximately one and a half fists high.
The spectacle of Saturn’s rings, which appear particularly narrow this season, can be observed through a small telescope, resembling a toothpick stuck through an olive. This month also marks the arrival of the double conjunction of the waning crescent moon, the bright star Regulus from the Leo constellation, and Venus on the morning of September 19. The three celestial bodies will be closely aligned, separated by less than one degree, creating a stunning sight for early risers.
Upcoming Eclipses and the Corn Moon
September is also noteworthy for its eclipses, featuring a total lunar eclipse and a partial solar eclipse. Unfortunately, these events will not be visible from the Americas. The full moon on September 7 will be called the Corn Moon, rather than the Harvest Moon, which occurs closest to the autumn equinox. This year, the Harvest Moon will appear in October. Nonetheless, the Corn Moon will still rise around local sunset and will be visible throughout the night.
The autumnal equinox will take place on September 22 at 19:19 UTC. This event occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, marking the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, day and night will be nearly equal in duration, each lasting approximately 12 hours.
Key Celestial Events in September
Throughout the month, several other significant astronomical occurrences are scheduled. For instance, the International Space Station will make nightly passes across the evening sky from September 8 to September 30. Skywatchers can use the Heavens-Above website to find specific viewing times for their location.
A few additional highlights to note include:
– On September 14, the last quarter moon will be visible in the southern sky at sunrise.
– The zodiacal light, a faint glow created by dust particles in the solar system, can be seen from September 20 to September 30, forming a cone-like shape in the eastern sky before dawn.
– The new moon on September 21 will align with the sun, rendering it invisible during the day.
For those interested in exploring the night sky further, the free Stellarium Mobile app is recommended. This tool can help users identify planets and constellations. Additionally, for a detailed September sky map and calendar, visit www.skymaps.com/downloads.html.
As September progresses, keep an eye out for auroras, which can also be observed during this time. For timely updates and forecasts, follow the Astro Bob page on Facebook.
Clear skies await!
