September 20, 2021: The Harvest Moon occurs at 6:55 p.m. CDT, the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox. In addition to the full moon, three bright planets are in the evening sky – Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn.
Sky Watching
2021, September 19: Three Evening Planets, Bright Moon
September 19, 2021: Three bright planets – Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn – are easily visible after sunset, along with the nearly-full moon.
2021, September 18: Venus and Scorpion
September 18, 2021: Venus moves into the boundaries of the classic Scorpion. Today the pattern is divided into Libra and Scorpius. Each evening watch the position of Venus change compared to the sidereal background.
2021, September 16: Double Vision
September 16, 2021: The famous Double Cluster is high in the northwest before the beginning of morning twilight. The cluster pair is easily observed without a binocular’s optical assist in dark locations. A binocular is needed in town. The Great Galaxy in Andromeda is nearby.
2021, September 15-22: Evening Planets, Harvest Moon Effect
September 15-22, 2021: The moon passes evening planets Saturn and Jupiter as a lead in to the Harvest Moon and the geometrical effects of the sky, known as the Harvest Moon Effect
2021, September 13: Mercury at Greatest Elongation
September 13, 2021: Mercury reaches greatest elongation tonight. It is a challenge to see in the bright twilight.
2021, September 14: Moon Steeps in Teapot
September 14, 2021: This evening the bright gibbous moon is in a section of the constellation Sagittarius that is frequently known as the Teapot. Additionally, Evening Star Venus, bright Jupiter, and Saturn are in the evening sky.
2021, September 10-13: Moon, Scorpion
September 10-13, 2021: The waxing moon passes the classic Scorpion in the evening sky. Look for them in the south-southwest during the early evening hours.
2021, September 9: Rare Venus, Moon, Spica Spectacular
September 9, 2021: After this evening’s grouping, Evening Star Venus, the crescent moon, and Spica do not appear this close together until 2026. This is one of four groupings that fit into the same binocular field through 2036. For the fifth occasion during this evening apparition of Venus, the moon passes the brilliant Evening Star.
2021, September 7, 8: Mercury, Lunar Crescent
September 7 & 8, 2021: The crescent moon, emerging from bright sunlight after its New moon phase, appears near Mercury on these evenings. On September 8, use a binocular to find the crescent 5.0° to the upper right of the speedy planet.