September 2008

The month starts with Mars, Venus, and Mercury in close company in the west at sunset. As you watch them, you may be able to identify Spica to the left. The waxing crescent moon breezes through the neighborhood on the 1st and 2nd. Jupiter remains very low in the sky for northern observers. It's just above the teapot of Sagittarius.You'll find it in the south at dusk. Saturn will emerge in the morning sky later this month in due time after the sickle of Leo.

Mars and Venus draw especially close on the 11th with Mercury below and left of them. Mercury is at greatest elongation, almost 27 degrees east of the sun on this date. For the rest of the month, Mercury and Mars drop into the sunlight while Venus stays above it. Mercury will be lost in the sun's glare by month's end. Mars and Venus may be lost behind buildings, trees, or whatever else may obstruct your horizon.

Uranus is at opposition on the 13th.You'll have trouble spotting it with the nearly full moon nearby. The moon passes almost 4 degrees north of Uranus on the 15th at 7h. Take a good look and remember the place. Then look again in a week or two to see if you can find Uranus. A telescope will help, but it is possible to see Uranus with the unaided eye when it's dark enough.

Some people in the South Pacific and South America will see the moon occult Antares on the 7th.

The full moon, this month on the 15th, is a bit low again for those in the northern hemisphere.

The autumn equinox happens on the 22nd.

The moon passes south of Saturn on the 27th.