Red Bull's Eye, and More Can't-Miss Sky Events in September

Planets on parade, eerie lights, and a change of seasons await sky-watchers this month.

As Northern Hemisphere nights begin to lengthen in September, sky watchers will get great views of our neighboring worlds from dusk to dawn. Venus will sink closer to the sun but grow even brighter, while the brilliant gas giants Jupiter and Saturn will dominate the southern skies. And both hemispheres will be heralding a change of seasons with the arrival of the equinox.

So dust off those binoculars, and get set to explore the night this month.

A half hour after local sunset, look toward the low western sky for a strikingly close pairing of two brilliant points of light, Venus and Spica. The second-closest planet to the sun and the brightest star of the constellation Virgo will appear

Unlock this story for free
Create an account to read the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles.

Unlock this story for free

Want the full story? Sign up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free.
Already have an account?
SIGN IN

Read This Next

What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.
Is melatonin giving you nightmares?
Why are these orcas killing sharks and removing their livers?

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet