What’s Up in the Night Sky? – September 2024

Fred Barrett | Sep 11, 2024

Events in the night sky are mostly predictable but this month, predictions are few and far

between. No spectaculars are expected but, as I often write, go out when it’s dark and clear and expect the unexpected. The beauty spread across the heavens is certainly a grand consolation prize. Investigate the Moon and observe the shadows cast as its surface features and shadows shift and change as the night passes. The Andromeda galaxy and its 2 nearby satellite galaxies are fairly easy to find above and to the left of the large and great constellation Pegasus that rises soon after dark in the east. Sporadic meteor trails can appear suddenly and satellites, often in formation, tease the imagination as they go about their missions.

Fall is the best time for astronomy in my estimation. A dark sky comes early and the temperatures are moderate enough to be comfortable with a good coat. Get out there and take advantage of the fascinating splendour that stretches from horizon to horizon!

Venus is quite the sight for almost an hour in the west after sunset and is above the bright star Spica at the base of the constellation Bootes. Follow the arc of the Big Dipper’s handle to find Spica. Venus is at its closest to Earth in September. Using a modest telescope, the surface area of its disk is lit up as much as 90 percent by the Sun.

Saturn can qualify as spectacular this month. It is viewable all night from the east at sunset to the west by morning. Like Venus, it is at its closest for observing on the 8th when it is ‘only’ 1.3 billion Kms away. It gives you an idea of how big it is that it is so prominent at that distance. The Moon will be very close to Saturn on the 17th and it will actually occult Saturn in the middle and western parts of Canada. The tilt of Saturn’s rings will make them eminently viewable during this time of closest approach; spectacular one might say. See if you can spot Saturn’s moons. You’ll need more than binoculars to succeed with this challenge.

No meteors showers this month other than sporadics but the faint cone of the zodiacal light in the east can be made out under a dark before dawn in the first half of September. Since it follows the ecliptic, it will be angled to the right.

Jupiter comes up in the east around midnight above and to the left of the red eye of Aldebaran in the constellation Taurus the Bull. Best observing is an hour or so before sunup. Investigate the bands on its surface and try to follow the movements of its 4 Galilean moons.

Mars is near the horns of Taurus early in the month but shifts towards Gemini by mid month. It can be seen in the vicinity of the open cluster M35. Although it is up by 1:30 or so, it is best viewed in early predawn. It’s pretty small right now but increases in size in the coming months.

Mercury is 3 degrees high in the east about a half hour before sunrise. Use binoculars. Be careful, the Sun is just below the horizon and may pop up on you if you don’t keep your wits about you.. While you’re in the area, try to find Comet C/2023 A3 which should be above Mercury. Don’t mix up the 2.

The Autumnal equinox arrives on September 22. Early warning: Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday, November 3rd, 2 am. Clocks fall back 1 hour.

Highlights this month:

September 11: First Quarter Moon. September 17: The Moon passes North of Saturn just before sunrise. Full Harvest Moon. The full moon that is nearest to the autumnal equinox wins that name. Corn is usually harvested at this time. Have you stashed away enough in the freezer for the cold winter months? I sure have. Hopefully I can avoid jumping the gun and having none left by December! September 18: The Moon passes very close to the north of Neptune at 4 am. That’s a tough one. The Moon is at perigee (closest to Earth) – 355,211 Kms. September 22: The Moon passes 5 degrees north of Uranus at 3 am. Try observing this one too. Autumnal Equinox occurs. September 23: The Moon passes 6 degrees north of Jupiter at 7 pm. Should be dark enough. September 24: Last quarter Moon.

In all the planetary observations with the Moon quite close by, try to keep the Moon off the edge of the field of view. Difficult with binoculars.

Have a great observing month and keep looking up!

Don’t forget to check out events at the North Frontenac Astronomy Park and also check the Lennox and Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area for observing opportunities in the coming months.

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) website https://rasc.ca has a listing of astronomy events for Ontario and the Kingston branch of the RASC website lists events happening, especially in our area.

Feel free to contact me with questions or observations at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

I would like to know how you have done with your observing. Watch for meteors or auroras to tingle your spine!