Topline
From Jupiter disappearing behind the moon and Venus reaching peak brightness to the September equinox and a full “Harvest Moon,” lots is occurring within the night time sky in September 2026 — together with all 5 vivid planets seen. Right here’s every thing it’s good to learn about skywatching in September 2026.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, the complete “Harvest Moon” will rise round sundown, with Saturn shining close by.. (Photograph by: Alan Dyer/VW Pics/Common Photos Group by way of Getty Photos)
VW Pics/Common Photos Group by way of Getty Photos
Key Details
On Tuesday, Sept. 8, a 9%-lit crescent moon will move lower than a level from Jupiter earlier than dawn. A lot of the U.S. and Canada will then see the moon occult — or move in entrance of — Jupiter throughout daylight.
On Monday, Sept. 14, a 16%-lit waxing crescent moon will move inside half a level of Venus, itself now a slim crescent because it comes nearer to Earth.
Venus will dominate the western sky after sundown all month, reaching its biggest illuminated extent and brightest round Tuesday, Sept. 22. Shining at magnitude -4.6, will probably be brighter than something within the night time sky besides the moon.
Additionally on Tuesday, Sept. 22, the equinox will mark the start of astronomical fall within the Northern Hemisphere and spring within the Southern Hemisphere.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, the complete “Harvest Moon” will rise round sundown, with Saturn shining close by. The next night the 2 will look like even nearer.
A Large Month For Planets
All 5 naked-eye planets are seen throughout September. Venus and Mercury shine after sundown, Mars and Jupiter seem earlier than dawn, and Saturn is seen for a lot of the night time. Uranus and Neptune can be discovered with optical help, with Neptune reaching opposition on Saturday, Sept. 26, when Earth passes between it and the solar (nonetheless, a big telescope is mostly required to see it).
The Milky Approach’s Final Hurrah
September brings among the yr’s remaining handy night views of the brightest Milky Approach for Northern Hemisphere observers. Its star-rich areas in Scorpius and Sagittarius are sinking westward after darkish and can largely disappear from the night sky by October. In the meantime, the Nice Sq. of Pegasus is rising within the east, heralding the arrival of the Northern Hemisphere’s fall sky.
