The Perseid meteor shower, which peaked between August 11 –12, is the largest shower annually. Okay, let’s call it how it is: the best of the meteor showers came and went in August. This will be tough to see in North America, but still worth noting.Ī harvest moon rising above storm clouds in southwestern Colorado. Pacific), Uranus will slide behind the moon before it appears again on the other side. E.T.) and in the afternoon on the West Coast (2:30 p.m. During the lunar occultation, which runs for about 50 minutes during the evening hours on the East Coast (5:30 p.m. Known more for what you can’t see than what you can, the September 14 occultation of the moon and Uranus is considered a rare event. When those elements present in the rings combine with methane, ammonia, and water, they offer up a mix of colors.Īlong with the view of Jupiter proper, the planet’s four largest moons-Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto-will show off their icy surfaces. Known for the belts of gas that ring the planet, Jupiter’s hydrogen- and helium-filled areas will be visible if you’re using a telescope.

That alignment means the planet appears bigger and brighter to us on Earth-bright enough that it can be seen without the aid of binoculars or a telescope (although, you’re going to get a much better look at Jupiter with those aids). The largest planet in our solar system will position itself so that Earth is directly between Jupiter and the sun. Let’s skip right ahead to the big event of the month, when Jupiter reaches opposition on September 26. Sunset over the Pomona Valley in Southern California with the crescent moon and Jupiter hanging.

Calendar starfall september