Rare Planetary Alignment & Lunar eclipse Highlight September Skies
This week promises a celestial treat for skywatchers, featuring a rare alignment of planets at dawn and a full “Corn Moon” lunar eclipse visible from parts of the globe.
Here’s a breakdown of what to look for:
September 1-2: Venus, Mercury, Jupiter & The Beehive Cluster
about an hour and a half before sunrise, look low to the east-northeast to spot dazzling Venus nestled near the Beehive Cluster (M44) in Cancer. Around an hour before sunrise, Mercury rises below Venus, with Jupiter higher in the east – forming a gentle planetary line. Use binoculars to reveal the beehive’s delicate stars and help find Mercury.
Tuesday, sept. 2: Mercury And Regulus
In its final dawn appearance of its present elongation, Mercury sidles up to Regulus, the brightest star in Leo. regulus will be just to Mercury’s lower right, though you may need binoculars to find it in the haze of the horizon. The pairing glimmers low in the east an hour before sunrise, fading quickly in brightening twilight.You’ll need an unobstructed eastern horizon.Wednesday, Sept. 3: Mars And Spica
Shortly after sunset, look low in the west-southwest to find dimming Mars to the left of bright blue-white Spica in Virgo. Mars is heading toward solar conjunction in January and will not return to peak brightness untill its opposition in February 2027.
Sunday, Sept. 7: Full Corn ‘Blood Moon’ Total Lunar Eclipse
September’s full moon rises shortly after sunset, glowing golden before climbing higher. This year it carries the Corn Moon name as the harvest Moon this year falls in October (it’s the closest full moon to the equinox). While Asia, Australia, and parts of the Pacific will see a total lunar eclipse, north America misses out – but the rising full moon will still be a fine sight.
The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific details, consult online planetariums like Stellarium.