New moon
Sep 11
Harvest Moon
Sep 26
Dark-sky window
Sep 7 - Sep 15
excellent moon conditions
Best first target
M27/M57 carryover
Ready · City-friendly
Monthly anchors
Ordered for this month's Munich guide view.
Planetary Nebula
The first planetary nebula ever discovered — a stellar death shroud 1,360 light-years away, expanding into space for the last 10,000 years.
Find it
Not visible to naked eye. Located in the small constellation Vulpecula, about 3° north of the bright star γ Sagittae (the middle star of Sagitta, the Arrow).
Emission Nebula
A massive star-forming region whose dark dust lanes create the striking shape of the North American continent.
Find it
May be glimpsed as a brighter patch in the Milky Way under excellent dark skies. Located about 3° east of Deneb, directly 'behind' it in the Milky Way stream.
Supernova Remnant
The expanding shock wave from a supernova that exploded 10,000-20,000 years ago — a stellar explosion still rippling through space.
Find it
Not visible to naked eye. The eastern arc (NGC 6992/6995) passes near the star 52 Cygni. The western arc (NGC 6960, the 'Witch's Broom') passes through the naked-eye star 52 Cygni.
2 targets
In Cygnus, east of Deneb
1 target
In Vulpecula, north of Sagitta the Arrow
Peak: September 1
6
meteors/hr
A minor shower that occasionally produces surprising outbursts. The 2007 outburst reached ZHR of 130. Fast meteors from a radiant near the bright star Capella. Worth monitoring in early September.
Best viewing
After midnight until dawn
Auriga rises after midnight; best rates pre-dawn
Photo notes
Fast meteors create bright short trails. Be prepared for potential outburst activity.
Peak: October 10-11
5
meteors/hr
Part of the Taurid Complex, a broad stream of debris from Comet Encke. While rates are low, the Southern Taurids are famous for producing bright fireballs and bolides. The extended activity period means Taurid fireballs can appear throughout October and November.
Best viewing
After midnight
Taurus rises in late evening; best after midnight
Photo notes
Long activity period allows many photography opportunities. Watch for bright fireballs.