Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
7mo ago

September's Night Sky Offers Rare Celestial Events

Stargazers can look forward to a supermoon eclipse, visible comet, and planetary oppositions.

Image
Even late-summer clouds don’t have to ruin an observing session — Saturn (at opposition in 2017) is visible at the center of this image in a patch of clear sky. Credit: Alan Dyer
September is the month to check out Saturn and its largest moon, Titus.

Overview

  • A partial lunar eclipse will coincide with a supermoon on September 17, visible across multiple continents.
  • Saturn and Neptune reach opposition, making them particularly bright and observable this month.
  • A naked-eye comet may be visible in the eastern sky before sunrise from September 30 to October 2.
  • Venus will be prominently visible in the western sky shortly after sunset early in the month.
  • The northern lights could be seen at lower latitudes around the equinox on September 22.