September 28, 2026: The Harvest Moon shines near Saturn while Jupiter and Mars brighten the predawn sky. Venus and Mercury remain low after sunset as Saturn approaches opposition.
Author: Jeffrey L. Hunt
Jeffrey L. Hunt is an educational technologist living in suburban Chicago. When he's not learning about and implementing technology in classes, he's running or looking at the stars.
2026, September 27: Daylight Shrinks After the Equinox as Autumn Advances
September 27, 2026: Daylight falls below 12 hours across the northern hemisphere. Learn why daylight and nighttime are not equal at the equinox and how the changing season affects skywatching.
2026, September 25-29: Harvest Moon and Saturn Share the Autumn Sky During the Season’s First Week
September 25-29, 2026: The Harvest Moon occurs September 26 and appears near Saturn during several evenings. Learn why the moon rises later each night while changing little in altitude after sunset.
2026, September 25: Watch Mars Align with the Gemini Twins as it Approaches Jupiter
September 25, 2026: Mars lines up with Castor and Pollux before sunrise while Jupiter shines brightly near Regulus. Watch the Red Planet close the gap to the Jovian Giant ahead of their November conjunction.
2026, September 24: Venus in Bright Twilight While the Harvest Moon Nears Saturn
September 24, 2026: Brilliant Venus shines through bright twilight while the Harvest Moon approaches Saturn. Before sunrise, Jupiter dominates the morning sky and Mars aligns with Castor and Pollux.
2026, September 23: Venus at Greatest Brilliancy
September 23, 2026: Venus reaches greatest brilliancy tonight as it moves toward inferior conjunction on October 23. Look for the brilliant Evening Star low in the west-southwest during evening twilight.
2026, September 22: Autumnal Equinox 2026: Daylight, the Ecliptic, and the Harvest Moon Effect
September 22, 2026: The autumnal equinox occurs today. Learn why daylight and darkness are not exactly equal, how the ecliptic changes angle with the horizon, and why the Harvest Moon rises at nearly the same time each evening.
2026, September 21: Harvest Moon Nights Begin as Venus and Jupiter Dominate the Sky
September 21, 2026: Venus nears its greatest brilliancy while the Harvest Moon grows brighter each evening. Saturn rises earlier as opposition approaches, and Jupiter and Mars dominate the predawn sky.
2026, September 19-23: Moon Waxes Toward Harvest Moon
September 19-23, 2026: The Waxing Gibbous Moon appears farther eastward in front of Sagittarius and Capricornus as the Harvest Moon approaches.
2026, September 19: Venus at Greatest Illuminated Extent: Evening Crescent Grows Larger
September 19, 2026: Venus reaches its greatest illuminated extent tonight, appearing larger through a telescope while showing an evening crescent phase. Learn why the Evening Star shines so brilliantly before sunset.