Topline
From Jupiter disappearing behind the moon and Venus reaching peak brightness to the September equinox and a full “Harvest Moon,” plenty is going on in the night sky in September 2026 — including all five bright planets visible. Here’s everything you need to know about skywatching in September 2026.
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A Big Month For Planets
All five naked-eye planets are visible during September. Venus and Mercury shine after sunset, Mars and Jupiter appear before sunrise, and Saturn is visible for much of the night. Uranus and Neptune can also be found with optical aid, with Neptune reaching opposition on Saturday, Sept. 26, when Earth passes between it and the sun (however, a large telescope is generally required to see it).
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The Milky Way’s Last Hurrah
September brings some of the year’s final convenient evening views of the brightest Milky Way for Northern Hemisphere observers. Its star-rich regions in Scorpius and Sagittarius are sinking westward after dark and will largely disappear from the evening sky by October. Meanwhile, the Great Square of Pegasus is rising in the east, heralding the arrival of the Northern Hemisphere’s fall sky.
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Further Reading
ForbesHere’s The Truth About Tonight’s Alpha Aurigids Meteor ShowerBy Jamie Carter
ForbesSee Venus Beside An Iconic Bright Star: The Night Sky This WeekBy Jamie CarterForbesIn Photos: NASA’s New Roman Space Telescope Lifts Off To Map Billions Of GalaxiesBy Jamie CarterForbesNASA’s New Roman Vs. Hubble Vs. Webb: What’s The Difference?By Jamie Carter