September brings a dazzling Venus and a glowing Harvest Moon
September offers several astronomical events, including the peak brightness of Venus and the appearance of the Harvest Moon near Saturn and Neptune. Skywatchers can also use the Moon as a guide to locate the constellation Sagittarius and the center of the Milky Way.
Why it matters
Public interest in astronomy fosters scientific literacy and encourages engagement with the natural world.
September brings a busy lineup for skywatchers, including a dazzling Venus, a Harvest Moon near Saturn and Neptune, the seasonal equinox, and opportunities to use the Moon as a guide to some recognizable stars and Milky Way features.
September offers a little bit of everything in the evening sky. The Moon helps point the way to a celestial teapot, Venus becomes exceptionally bright, the seasons officially turn, and the Harvest Moon appears with two planetary companions.
Follow the Moon to Antares and Sagittarius
Between September 14 and 20, the Moon can serve as a useful guide to several notable sights in the night sky. About an hour after sunset, face south and locate the Moon.
Its position will change from one evening to the next as it moves against the more distant background stars. Along the way, it will pass close to Antares.
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