Throughout this month, you're in for a treat as you'll have the opportunity to observe various planets, a few other celestial bodies, and of course, the September equinox. Whether you're a novice stargazer or an experienced observer looking for new astronomical phenomena to enjoy, September's night sky is packed with captivating sights.
Moreover, as September ushers in a change in seasons, the viewing location for the aurora begins to migrate across hemispheres. This makes it an ideal time for those in the northern hemisphere to plan a trip to witness the mesmerizing northern lights.
Before we delve into the details of these celestial events, let me recommend some telescopes and binoculars. Certain events this month will necessitate the use of such equipment for optimal viewing. The provided link includes guides to assist you in choosing the right telescope or binoculars, no matter your budget or level of enthusiasm.
Curious to discover what the September night sky has in store this year? Here are the top 10 most intriguing astronomical events unfolding in the September 2023 night sky.
September 1 – The Aurigid Meteor Shower Peaks
Auriga, a personal favorite winter constellation of mine, is known for its prominent bright stars that are easy to spot in the sky. As we approach the end of summer, Auriga begins to ascend, bringing with it the Aurigid meteor shower.
Although the Aurigid meteor shower is a less significant event, with a maximum rate of about six meteors per hour, it's still worth observing on the eve of September 1st. The moon's illumination at 92% might interfere with the visibility of the meteors, but keep scanning the sky, and you might just spot a few.
September 4 – Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter
The month's best viewing opportunity for Jupiter is up next. After sunset on September 4th, the Moon and Jupiter will appear to be in close proximity in the sky. At their nearest point, they will be a mere 3°04′ apart, roughly the distance between the three stars in Orion's Belt.
This event is easy to spot, with the Moon at 67% illumination and Jupiter's inherent brightness. It's an ideal viewing opportunity for children or those who enjoy moon-gazing under the star-studded sky.
September 9 – Peak of the ε-Perseid Meteor Shower
September isn't renowned for its meteor showers, particularly when compared to August's spectacular Perseids. However, any chance to see meteors is worth taking if the skies are clear.
On September 9th, try to spot the ε-Perseids meteors. Unlike their namesake, these meteors probably don't originate from the same comet (109P/Swift-Tuttle) as the August Perseids. Instead, they seem to radiate from the same point in the night sky, which is how meteor showers get their names.
At peak, expect to see approximately 5 ε-Perseids per hour, originating from the general vicinity of the Perseus constellation high in the southwest sky. While not as dramatic as the Perseids, they still offer an interesting spectacle.
September 18 – Venus at Its Brightest
Have you noticed Venus recently? Its brightness is quite striking. If you've been up before sunrise and looking eastward, it's hard to miss.
This is because Venus is reaching its greatest brightness on September 18th. This marks the brightest Venus will appear in the morning sky before it begins its journey back towards the Sun, eventually reappearing in the evening skies.
September 19 – Neptune at Opposition
For those not familiar with the term “opposition,” it means that Neptune and the Sun will be opposite of on another (with the Earth in between, kind of like the alignment of an eclipse over huge distances). The Sun will brightly illuminate Neptune, making it a great time to view everyone’s favorite dwarf planet.
You will need equipment to see Neptune, which is small and extremely distant; be sure to review my recommended telescopes and binoculars to find something in advance. You’ll also probably need a star-finder app to spot Neptune, which is in the constellation Pisces.
September 22 – September Equinox
On September 22nd this year, the seasons officially changed. The September Equinox – called the “autumnal equinox” in the northern hemisphere and the “vernal equinox” in the southern hemisphere – signals the point where earth experiences roughly equal lengths of day and night.
While there is no night sky event to view for the equinox, it’s a cool time to consider our planet’s place in the solar system and how we orbit around the sun.
September 23 – Mercury at its Morning Peak
September is a big month for planetary viewing options, and the month winds down with the smallest and closest to the sun. Since Mercury is so close to the sun, we can only observe it when it reaches its “highest” aka visually furthest from the sun. This occurs cyclically as part of Mercury’s 88-day orbit; sometimes Mercury reaches its “peak” in the morning, then in the evening.
In any case, on the morning of September 23rd, you’ll be able to see Mercury about 16° above the eastern horizon just before sunrise. This is a great opportunity to head out and try to spot the smallest planet.
September 26 – Close Approach of the Moon & Saturn
After two close approaches in August, Saturn doesn’t appear near the Moon again until the end of September. Specifically, on the night of September 26th, the Moon and Saturn will appear within 2°25′ of each other in the night sky. As in August, the Moon will again be bright and using a telescope or binoculars will help reveal more wonders of both solar system objects.
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