Action-packed September – The Hindu

September began with bang with the Full Moon also known as Corn/Harvest moon and a total Lunar Eclipse on September 7 that was visible throughout Asia and Australia and the central and eastern parts of Europe and Africa. Now, get ready for the next half.

New Moon: The Moon will not be visible in the night sky on September 21. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.

Partial Solar Eclipse: Another treat for skywatchers on September 21. This eclipse will be visible only from New Zealand, Antarctica, and parts of the southern Pacific Ocean. The best view will be in New Zealand where up to 76% of the Sun will be covered. To our eyes, it will seem as if a slice of the Sun has been bitten off! Remember to view it safely using a special solar filter or by watching the Sun’s reflection. T

Saturn at Opposition: Saturn, the ringed planet, will come closest to Earth and shine extra bright in the night sky. This is the perfect time to photograph Saturn and its moons! With a medium or big telescope, you can clearly see its famous rings and some of its brightest moons.

September Equinox: The September equinox occurs on September 22. The Sun will shine directly on the Equator and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world. This is the first day of the Fall or Autumnal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of the Spring or Vernal Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere.

Neptune at Opposition: On September 23, Neptune will be the closest to Earth and shine brighter than usual. You can see the big blue giant all night long. But, since it’s so far away, it will look like a tiny blue dot unless you have a super powerful telescope.