Summer vacation is over, and autumn is nearing. This month, be prepared to see some stars, planets, and meteors as the cool air chases away the humidity (hopefully).
The Aurigids Meteor Shower is ongoing from August 28 to September 5. Its peak will fall on September 1, producing around six meteors per hour. The comet of origin, C/1911 N1 (Kiess), passed by the Sun in 1911 and was discovered in 1935. It will pass again around the year 4400 with a 2,490-year orbital period.
This month’s full moon, the “Corn Moon,” will be on September 7. That is the same day as a lunar eclipse visible for most of the world’s population – but not us. A total lunar eclipse will be visible over most of Asia and Oceania with a partial eclipse being visible across Africa and Europe. However, no luck for the Americas this time, with no visibility of the event for us (we’re also missing out on a solar eclipse that will be partially visible across the Pacific on September 21).
Another! The Epsilon Perseids Meteor Shower, not to be confused with last month’s Perseid Meteor Shower, will take place September 5 to September 21. It peaks on September 9, and due to it falling two days after the full moon, meteor visibility will likely be hampered a bit by lunar light. The shower is unrelated from last month’s Perseid, with the origin of these meteors not being wholly confirmed. Like the Aurigids, this shower won’t be nearly as intense as the greats, with only around five meteors per minute.
On September 18 in Nevada, on the opposite end of the state as the ongoing Burning Man, the Great Basin Astronomy Festival starts on September 18 at Great Basin National Park. Be prepared to see some great pics on your feeds!
This month yields good views of Saturn, with September 21 proving the best. Saturn and its rings are in an abnormal position, meaning we’re viewing it head-on. When seen, the rings look like a line bisecting the planet, rather than a circular ring.
On September 22, fall begins with the autumnal or September equinox.
There is always plenty to see and many apps, websites, and other resources to aid in identifying. NASA is always great for events (like the meteor shower) and ISS flyovers. Happy and lucky stargazing to you.
Astronomy Update for September
By Sam Bishop