September 2026 marks a turning level for astrophotographers within the Northern Hemisphere. After months of brief nights, darkness returns shortly after sundown, bringing longer and extra comfy observing home windows. On the similar time, the Milky Method’s vibrant core begins to slide away from the night sky, making this a last alternative to seize it till subsequent spring. The month additionally options the equinox — typically a time of auroral exercise at northern latitudes — and the nice and cozy glow of the Harvest Moon.
Right here’s every part it’s essential learn about astrophotography in September 2026:
September 3: Moon and Pleiades
Look to the northeast simply earlier than midnight, and you will see the Pleiades, a well-known sight of the winter evening sky. Tonight, it will likely be flanked to the decrease left by a 54%-lit waning gibbous moon.
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Learn: The best cameras for astrophotography
September 4-15: Darkish sky window
With new moon on September 10, the preceding week offers some of the darkest skies since spring. This is your final realistic opportunity in 2026 to capture the Milky Way’s core in the evening sky from mid-northern latitudes. Look southeast after dusk to find the brightest region low on the horizon, gradually sinking earlier each night. A wide-angle lens, fast aperture (f/2.8), ISO 1600–3200 and exposures of 10-20 seconds will seize the construction of the Milky Method, although a star tracker will reveal further element.
Learn: The best star tracker camera mounts
September 7: Moon and Mars
Are you prepared for a few very early begins? Rise an hour earlier than sundown as we speak, and also you’ll have an opportunity to seize a stupendous 19%-lit waning crescent moon only a few levels from Mars. Shining within the northeast, they’ll be near Castor and Pollux, the 2 brightest stars within the constellation Gemini.
Learn: When to photograph the moon
September 8: Moon, the Beehive Cluster and Jupiter
A fragile 11%-lit waning crescent moon will this morning sit throughout one of the vital stunning open clusters of stars within the evening sky. The Beehive Cluster is a cluster of round 1,000 stars within the constellation Most cancers. Under the pair will probably be Jupiter, shining brightly.
Learn: 10 must-shoot events for astrophotographers in 2026
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CAPTION: The Northern Lights typically surge across the equinox. (Picture credit score: Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld by way of Getty Pictures)
Tuesday, 22 September: Equinox and aurora
The September equinox marks the official start of autumn or fall in the Northern Hemisphere and brings nearly equal day and night. For astrophotographers, it signals the return of longer nights, but it’s also the perfect time for heightened auroral activity. Sure, you can wait for unusually high activity that produces faint aurora above the U.K. or U.S., but if you’re set on actually seeing the Northern Lights, consider a trip to the auroral oval, where aurora is very common after dark. Head to the Arctic Circle in Alaska, northern Canada or northern Scandinavia (Norway, Finland, Sweden and Iceland).
Read: Northern Lights photography: tips and techniques for stunning images
September 26: Full ‘Harvest Moon’ rises
September’s full moon is the Harvest Moon, the complete moon closest to the equinox. Though tonight is the perfect evening to seize it (not least as a result of it’s very near Saturn), it truly rises near sundown for a number of nights in a row, making it supreme for repeated makes an attempt at moonrise pictures. As all the time, the perfect time to shoot is at moonrise, when the moon seems largest and most colourful. Use a protracted lens (200–600mm) to seize element or incorporate a foreground topic for scale. Do some rigorous sun and moon planning to seize it.
Learn: How to photograph the full moon
Astrophotography shot of the month: Zodiacal mild
Mid-September brings an opportunity to image the famed zodiacal light. In the days around the equinox, look east before dawn for a faint triangular glow rising from the horizon. It’s sunlight scattered by dust between Mars and Jupiter.
The best time to capture it will be any clear night from around September 9-22. However, you will need a very dark site — use a light pollution map or discover a Dark Sky Place. As soon as in place, seize is similar as for the Milky Method: use a wide-angle lens on a tripod, ISO 1600-3200, and exposures of 15-25 seconds. Zodiacal mild is refined, however your digicam will discover it. Simply don’t neglect about composition.
Learn extra:
• Astrophotography tools: the best camera, lenses and gear
