September 2024 Skywatching Tips

September 5, 2024

September 2024 is a celestial feast for skywatchers, offering a variety of astronomical events that promise to dazzle and inspire. From the appearances of five planets to the Harvest supermoon and partial eclipse, there’s plenty to look forward to.

Throughout September, five planets will be visible in the night sky, each offering unique viewing opportunities. Sitting low in the west following sunset, Venus will gradually rise higher in the sky over the next several months, becoming a fixture of the early evening sky. Visible all night, Saturn will be in the southeastern sky early in the evening, moving overhead and setting in the west as dawn approaches. Rising around midnight or soon after, Jupiter will be best viewed high in the south-southeastern sky in the early morning before sunrise. Following Jupiter, Mars will rise about an hour to an hour and a half later, also visible in the south-southeastern sky before sunrise. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, Mercury will be visible during morning twilight in the first week of September, appearing low in the east just before dawn.

One of the most anticipated events this month is the Harvest supermoon, which will occur on September 17. This full moon is not only the closest to the autumnal equinox but also a supermoon, meaning it will appear larger and brighter than a typical full moon. Adding to the spectacle, a partial lunar eclipse will take place on the same night, with the Earth’s shadow covering part of the moon.

Mark your calendars for September 14, when the world will come together to celebrate International Observe the Moon Night. This global event encourages people to observe and learn about the moon, whether through organized events or personal observation. It’s a perfect opportunity to appreciate our closest celestial neighbor and its many wonders.

In addition to the planetary and lunar events, September also offers the chance to spot a NASA solar sail from the ground. This innovative technology uses sunlight to propel spacecraft, and its visibility from Earth adds an exciting dimension to this month’s skywatching activities. Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3).

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