Nine night-sky events to watch in September 2026

September 2026 offers skywatchers a sequence of early-morning, evening and all-night viewing opportunities, even without August’s total solar eclipse.

The Andromeda Galaxy will remain a target throughout the month. Under dark skies, it may appear as a faint smudge to the naked eye, while binoculars or a small telescope can show it more clearly. It will be easiest to find around midnight or 1 a.m., when it reaches its highest point.

The Moon will pass within about three degrees of Mars on September 6 and 7, appearing above the eastern horizon at about 3 a.m. Jupiter will rise roughly 90 minutes later, while Saturn will be visible toward the southwest. The Moon and Jupiter will form another pairing on September 8, best viewed around 4 a.m. before sunrise.

The new moon on September 11 and 12 will bring some of the darkest skies of the month. With little moonlight, observers away from city lights may have better views of galaxies, nebulae and the Milky Way’s bright core. For Northern Hemisphere viewers, it will be among the last chances in 2026 to see the core before it disappears until spring.

On September 14, the crescent Moon will appear within about five degrees of Venus above the western horizon shortly after sunset. The month will also bring the autumnal equinox, a seasonal change that can coincide with increased aurora activity.