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Actual Astronomy - The Observer's Calendar for September

Actual Astronomy - The Observer's Calendar for September

Author: 365DaysOfAstronomy.org September 3, 2026 Duration: 26:49
The 365 Days of Astronomy
ScienceAstronomy

Hosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan who enjoy teaching astronomy classes and showing the public views through their telescopes. actualastronomy@gmail.com

 

In Episode 549 of Actual Astronomy, hosts Chris and Shane present the Observer's Calendar for September 2026, highlighting key celestial events for amateur astronomers throughout the month. Highlights include the Sept 1 Aurigids meteor shower peak, a Venus-Spica conjunction on Sept 2, two regional star parties in early September, and a Moon occultation of Jupiter on Sept 8. Observing targets throughout the month feature various lunar features like the Lunar X and Straight Wall, deep-sky objects, multiple carbon stars, Neptune reaching opposition on Sept 25, and the Harvest Full Moon on Sept 26.

 

Sept 1: Aurigids peak (ZHR=10) predawn; γ Del double star; M27 well placed in evening

Sept 2: Venus 1.7° South of Spica

Sept 4: Last Quarter Moon (2:11)

Sept 5: Lunar X visible

Sept 6: Alberta Star Party begins; Mars 3° South of Moon; Moon at perigee; NGC 6781 well placed; B142/3 well placed; Carbon star W Orionis in pre-dawn

Sept 7: Labour Day; M71 well placed; Carbon star HK Lyr in evening

Sept 8: Northern Prairie Star Party begins; Moon occults Jupiter (2:58 pm); M27 well placed; Max R Aql (9:00 pm); Star Trek 60th anniversary

Sept 9: NGC 6905 well placed; Carbon star RV Mon in pre-dawn; Zodiacal Light in E before morning twilight

Sept 10: New Moon (23:27); Uranus Stationary; Old crescent Moon in E before sunrise; M39, M29 well placed

Sept 11: Veil Neb well placed

Sept 12: NGC 7000 well placed

Sept 13: NGC 6946 well placed

Sept 14: Venus 0.5° South of Moon; IC 5146 well placed; Carbon star U Cyg in evening

Sept 15: NGC 6819 well placed

Sept 16: NGC 6826 well placed

Sept 17: First Quarter Moon (18:44)

Sept 18: Venus greatest illuminated extent; 

Sept 19: Lunar Straight Wall this evening; Two shadows on Jupiter visible (9:03 pm)

Sept 20: Follow Capella unaided into daylight this week

Sept 22: Autumnal Equinox (12:00 am); Jeweled Handle (12:00 am)

Sept 24: Crater Billy (9:00 pm)

Sept 25: Neptune at opposition; 

Sept 26: Full Moon / Harvest Moon (12:49); Two shadows on Jupiter (10:56 pm); Mare Orientale (9:00 pm); Crater Einstein (4:00 am); Carbon star V Cyg in evening

Sept 30: 192 Nausikaa at opposition (m=8.4)

 

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Imagine a daily conversation about the cosmos, where each sunrise brings a fresh perspective from a different corner of the globe. That’s the essence of The 365 Days of Astronomy. Born from the spirit of the 2009 International Year of Astronomy, this enduring project has evolved into a genuine community effort, releasing a new episode every single day. You won’t hear the same host each time; instead, the microphone passes to astronomers, educators, enthusiasts, and scientists, each sharing their unique passion and expertise. This structure means the tone and topic can shift wonderfully from one day to the next-you might delve into the mechanics of a black hole on Tuesday and then explore ancient celestial myths on Wednesday. The consistent thread is a shared wonder for the universe, presented in accessible, bite-sized pieces. Managed by Avivah Yamani and edited by Richard Drumm, this daily podcast is a production of the Planetary Science Institute, sustained by listener support. It’s a calendar of the cosmos, offering a daily moment of reflection and discovery that proves you don’t need a telescope to have your perspective shifted. Tuning in regularly builds a habit of cosmic curiosity, connecting the vastness of space to the rhythm of our own days.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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