TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – September may not have the spectacle of August’s total solar eclipse, but the month still offers plenty for skywatchers to look forward to. From close encounters between the Moon and planets to Venus at its brightest, several celestial events will light up the skies this month.
The month also brings the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, a seasonal shift that can coincide with increased aurora activity. September is also among the final opportunities in 2026 to catch the bright core of the Milky Way from northern latitudes.
9 Spectacular Night Sky Events to Watch This September
Here are the key celestial events to watch throughout September, based on National Geographic’s guide.
1. Andromeda Galaxy: All Month
One of September’s best targets lies far beyond our solar system: the Andromeda Galaxy, the nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way.
The spiral galaxy can appear as a faint smudge to the naked eye under dark skies, but binoculars or a small telescope can reveal it more clearly. Look for Andromeda throughout the night, particularly around midnight or 1 a.m. local time when it reaches its highest point in the sky.
For the best view, head away from cities and other sources of light pollution.
2. Moon and Mars Meet: September 6-7
The Moon and Mars will make a close pairing in the early morning sky on September 6 and 7.
The crescent Moon will pass within about three degrees of Mars, roughly equivalent to the width of three pinky fingers held at arm’s length. The pair will appear above the eastern horizon at around 3 a.m. local time.
Jupiter will rise about 90 minutes later, forming a diagonal arrangement with the two. Saturn will also be visible toward the southwest, giving observers several planets to spot before sunrise.
3. Moon and Jupiter Pair Up: September 8
Just a day after its encounter with Mars, the Moon will move closer to Jupiter.
The two will appear above the eastern horizon in the early morning of September 8. The best viewing time is around 4 a.m. local time, with both objects remaining visible until sunrise.
4. New Moon Brings Dark Skies: September 11-12
The September new moon will create some of the darkest skies of the month, making September 11 and 12 particularly favorable for stargazing.
With little moonlight to interfere, observers in dark-sky locations may have better chances of spotting faint celestial objects, including galaxies, nebulae and the Milky Way’s bright central region.
For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, this is also one of the last chances in 2026 to see the Milky Way’s core before it disappears from view until spring.
5. Moon Meets Venus: September 14
The crescent Moon will make another striking pairing on September 14, this time with Venus.
The two will appear within about five degrees of each other above the western horizon shortly after sunset. Unlike the early September planetary encounters, this one can be viewed in the evening without having to wake before dawn.
The pair should remain visible for roughly an hour after sunset before setting.
6. Venus at Its Brightest: September 18
Venus will reach its peak brightness for its 2026 evening appearance on September 18, reaching a magnitude of -4.8.
The planet will be visible shortly after sunset near the western horizon and should be relatively easy to spot even from areas with significant light pollution.
Mercury will also appear nearby, offering skywatchers another planet to look for during the same viewing window.
7. Autumn Equinox and Aurora Season: September 22
The Northern Hemisphere will enter astronomical autumn on September 22 with the autumnal equinox.
The equinox is also associated with a greater chance of increased aurora activity. Changes in Earth’s orientation during the equinox can create conditions that are more favorable for interactions between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field.
An increase in northern lights activity is not guaranteed, however, as auroras remain difficult to predict. Even though the recent solar maximum has passed, strong displays may still occur, particularly at Arctic latitudes.
8. Mars Joins Gemini: September 25
Mars will form a distinctive trio with the two brightest stars of Gemini, Castor and Pollux, on September 25.
The three objects will line up in the eastern morning sky, with Castor appearing highest, Pollux below it and orange-tinged Mars further down.
Bright Jupiter will also be visible closer to the horizon, adding another planet to the early-morning scene.
9.Full Harvest Moon: September 26
The full Harvest Moon will rise around sunset on September 26, creating another prominent nighttime sight.
The Moon will reach peak illumination shortly before 1 p.m. Eastern Time, but the best time to observe it will be around moonrise at sunset or as it sets around sunrise.
The Moon can also appear unusually large and bright near the horizon because of the optical phenomenon known as the moon illusion. It may also take on an orange hue as it rises.
Saturn will follow the Moon into the sky, remaining within about six degrees of it throughout the night. Observers using telescopes may also be able to spot Neptune nearby.
