10 Best Celestial Events to Watch in September and Where to Spot Them

10 Best Celestial Events to Watch in September and Where to Spot Them (Image: Canva)

September skies provide brilliant views, ranging from shining planets to a golden Harvest Moon. With mild nights following the monsoon, the month is ideal for sky-gazers. Below are ten astronomical events and their best viewing days.

1. Saturn at Opposition (September 8–9)
Saturn is at its brightest, visible throughout the night with rings viewed through a telescope. Best observed in dark-sky areas in India.

2. Jupiter Rising (Throughout September, peak mid-month)
Jupiter overwhelms late-night skies, shining brightly in the east after midnight. Dark countryside far from urban lights is ideal for viewing.

3. Crescent Moon with Venus (September 5–6)
A beautiful sight as the crescent Moon encounters Venus in the western sky just after sunset. Rooftops and fields provide unobstructed views.

4. Perseid Meteor Shower Tail (September 1–3)
Although well past its August peak, the occasional meteor may still be visible in early September. Observe the northeast after midnight in clear skies.

5. Autumn Equinox (September 22–23)
Day and night are almost equal everywhere in the world. Observe sunrise or sunset anywhere in India to feel this balance of the season.

6. Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter (September 16–17)
The Moon moves near Jupiter, both shining brightly in the eastern sky past midnight, barely visible to the naked eye.

7. Visibility of Milky Way (Best during early to mid-September)
Dark-sky sites such as Ladakh, Spiti, or the Rann of Kutch provide stunning vistas of the Milky Way gliding across the skies.

8. Zodiacal Light (On September 10–20, before sunrise)
A weak triangular glow can be seen in the dawn sky ahead of sunrise, most visible in deserts such as Rajasthan or mountainous regions.

9. Neptune at Opposition (September 19–20)
Although very faint, Neptune is nearest to Earth during this month. Binoculars or a telescope may be used to locate it from open country.

10. Full Harvest Moon (September 17–18)
Closest to the equinox of autumn, this gold Moon stands large on the horizon. Beaches, open fields, and plains provide the best observation.

From planets to seasonal skies, September is one of the most rewarding months to observe stargazing.