When the Curves Line Up

September 22, 2024: Today, the autumnal equinox occurs signaling the begin of autumn in the northern hemisphere.  Across North America, the moon occults or eclipses stars in the Pleiades star cluster.

September 21, 2024:  Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are easily visible during nighttime hours.  The moon moves eastward toward the Pleiades star cluster.

September 20, 2024: During the nighttime hours, the gibbous moon is near Hamal, Aries brightest star.  Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are visible during the nighttime.

September 19, 2024:  Four bright planets – Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn – are on display during the night.  The gibbous moon rises later during the evening.

September 18, 2024:  As Autumn nears, daylight noticeably decreases from week to week.  At the same time darkness, part of nighttime increases.

September 17, 2024: The Harvest Moon shows a partial eclipse during the early hours in North America. Earlier the moon occults Saturn.  After sundown, Venus passes Spica.

September 14-18, 2024:  The Harvest Moon effect is observable during these five nights.  This is the 4th full moon during summer.

September 16, 2024: Saturn and the Moon appear next to each other in the southeastern sky after sunset.  Watch the moon overtake the planet during the night.

September 15, 2024: After sunset, the gibbous moon closes in on Saturn before their occultation in two mornings.

September 14, 2024: As Mercury departs the morning sky, the nightly parade of five bright planets ends. The moon begins to approach the Saturn before their occultation on the 17th.