What's Up? - SEPTEMBER 2023

Chris Baker
Sep 2, 2023
2 min read

Each month I highlight a few objects you can spot in the night sky without the need for optical equipment.

The nights are getting longer which helps this month.

PLANETS

Mercury

Elusive Mercury is visible this month! It's never easy as it is so low down on the horizon, but it's worth a try. It's an observing highlight in any year.

Mercury is troublesome to find since it's only ever visible close to dawn and dusk.

Later in the month the circumstances improve though and by the 22nd September it will be shining brightly at just after 6am

Mercury just after 6am on the 22nd September looking east

Courtesy of Stellarium

Venus

Venus is a dazzling morning star this month and not to be missed! You'll need to be up early while it's still dark and look east. On the 12th it will be close to a crescent Moon which will make for a beautiful sight.

Venus on the 12th September close to the crescent Moon and the stars Sirius and Procyon

Courtesy of Stellarium

Jupiter

Jupiter will be brilliant this month, shining brightly as a late evening and early morning object. It rises around 21:30 in the south east.

On the 5th it is worth seeing the planet close to the Moon after midnight.

Jupiter close to the Moon after midnight on the 5th

Courtesy of Stellarium

Mars

Mars is will be too difficult to spot this month

Saturn

Beautiful Saturn is visible all month at reasonable altitudes for observing. It's not too far from Jupiter in the south so you should be able to spot both at the same time.

Saturn around 22:30 mid month looking South.