September Night time Sky 2023 – Astronotes

Written by Sinéad Mackle

As the nice and cozy days of summer time progressively give technique to the crisp autumn air, the September night time sky presents an beautiful canvas of celestial wonders for stargazers. With longer nights and clearer skies, this time of the yr gives a exceptional alternative to watch planets, constellations, and different charming celestial phenomena. Whether or not you’re an avid astronomer or an off-the-cuff stargazer, exploring the night time sky in September guarantees to be a memorable and enlightening expertise.

Planets

September gives early risers an opportunity for planet gazing. Through the early morning, from round 4am, look in direction of the Jap horizon to identify Venus, which can be known as the ‘Morning Star’ when seen presently of day. Its good glow will stand out towards the darkish morning sky.

Jupiter

Different planets be a part of Venus within the night time sky. Jupiter can be seen from round 10pm till dawn, whereas Saturn can be enjoying hide-and-seek with Venus, being seen from sundown till the time Venus rises within the East. With a telescope or perhaps a pair of binoculars, it is possible for you to to watch Jupiter’s 4 largest Moons, known as the Galilean Moons, and Saturn’s iconic rings.

Constellations

Because the sky darkens, attempt gazing towards the east to view a grand show of constellations steeped in mythological tales. One outstanding constellation is Pegasus, the winged horse. Simply recognized by the Nice Sq. of Pegasus, this magnificent creature is related to numerous legends and tales. The 4 stars that mark the Nice Sq. of Pegasus are generally known as Alpheratz, Scheat, Markab and Algenib.

Adjoining to Pegasus, you’ll discover Andromeda, the princess. This constellation boasts the well-known Andromeda Galaxy (M31 or NGC 224), a spiral galaxy that’s seen to the bare eye below darkish skies.

Pegasus

Moreover, the Summer time Triangle, which consists of the brilliant stars Vega, Deneb, and Altair, will stay seen within the western sky. This outstanding asterism is a putting characteristic of the summer time and early autumn night time skies. For those who’re capable of observe Vega, the sunshine that you just’ll see may have left the star 25 years in the past as it’s 25 light-years away from Earth. This makes it one of many nearer stars within the night time sky.

Full Moon

September’s full ‘Corn Moon’ is so known as as a result of that is when crops are gathered on the finish of the summer time season. Throughout this time, the Moon seems significantly shiny and rises early, permitting farmers to proceed harvesting into the night time. This Moon can be typically named the ‘Barley Moon,’ and it’s typically the closest Full Moon to the autumnal equinox, incomes the title of ‘Harvest Moon’. The Moon can be formally full on twenty ninth September at 10.57am.

September Equinox

On the twenty third of September we’ll have the September Equinox which, astronomically talking, marks our first day of Autumn. Within the Southern Hemisphere this equinox marks the beginning of spring. The September equinox happens the moment the Solar crosses the celestial equator, an imaginary line from north to south within the sky above the Earth’s equator. This occurs on September twenty second, twenty third, or twenty fourth yearly.

Spot the House Station

The Worldwide House Station may also be seen this month. It’s the largest man-made object ever constructed, and usually six astronauts are all the time onboard. After the Solar and the Moon, it’s the brightest object seen within the sky.

ISS seen in September from Armagh

When stargazing this September, bear in mind to decide on a location away from mild air pollution for the most effective expertise, and don’t overlook to take a look at our web site for stargazing evenings at Armagh Planetarium that can begin subsequent month.