Stargazers across Russia will be able to observe a Harvest Moon and Venus at peak brightness in September, according to the observatory at Reshetnev University.
Astronomers at the observatory at Reshetnev Siberian State University, a major aerospace institution based in Krasnoyarsk, reported the upcoming schedule of skywatching events to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, noting that the month will feature several planetary approaches visible to the naked eye.
The skywatching calendar begins on September 2 when Venus moves into close alignment with Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo. Spica is a blue giant star located roughly 250 light-years from Earth. Just one day later, on September 3, observers can spot the Moon passing near the Pleiades star cluster in the constellation Taurus without needing telescopes or special equipment.
Between September 6 and September 14, Earth's natural satellite will travel near multiple planets in sequence, passing Mars before moving toward Jupiter and Venus. Astronomers recommend watching these planetary alignments during early morning hours or in the twilight immediately following sunset for the clearest views.
Planetary sightings and peak brightness
The lunar journey continues on September 17 when the Moon moves past Antares, a red supergiant star located in the constellation Scorpius. Observers will then see Venus reach its peak brightness on September 22, positioning itself low over the south-western horizon right after sunset within the constellation Virgo, where it will take the shape of a thin crescent.
September 23 brings the autumnal equinox, officially signaling the beginning of astronomical autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of spring in the Southern Hemisphere. During an equinox, the Sun sits directly above Earth's equator, producing equal periods of daylight and night across the planet.
Arrival of the Harvest Moon
On the night of September 26, the Harvest Moon will illuminate the night sky while positioned in the constellation Pisces. Although physically a standard full moon, the phenomenon earned its traditional name because its bright autumn moonlight historically allowed farmers to continue gathering crops late into the night.
The month of celestial viewing concludes on the night of September 30 as the Moon once again approaches the Pleiades cluster in the constellation Taurus. The September displays follow a busy skywatching night on August 12, when observers across Russia witnessed a solar eclipse, a planetary parade, and the peak of the Perseid meteor shower simultaneously.
