Astronomy Day 2025 is almost here! To honor this special occasion, let’s explore six fascinating celestial sights to enhance your stargazing experience on September 27.
The American Astronomical League invites everyone to join stargazing events each spring and fall. It’s a fantastic way to learn about the universe, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out.
6 Celestial Highlights for Astronomy Day 2025
1) The Moon
Our journey begins with the Moon, a familiar sight that has captivated humanity for ages. On the evening of September 27, look for its crescent shape about 15 degrees above the southwestern horizon. It will be near the bright star Antares in the constellation Scorpius.
With binoculars, you can spot features like Mare Tranquilitatis, the site of the historic Apollo 11 landing. A telescope with a 6-inch aperture will help you see Sharper images and the craters around it.
2) Saturn
Next, gaze at Saturn, which dazzles high in the southeastern sky. This planet, known for its stunning rings, can often be seen shining like an evening star. With an 8-inch telescope, you can even catch its famous Cassini Division, although this month’s ring orientation makes them appear more as a shimmering line.
Mark October 6 on your calendar for a chance to see Saturn’s moon Titan casting its shadow.
3) Polaris
Polaris, or the North Star, is a supergiant star located 430 light-years away in the constellation Ursa Minor. To find it, locate the Big Dipper and follow an imaginary line from the stars Dubhe and Merak. It’s interesting to note that Polaris won’t always hold its place; due to Earth’s axial precession, other stars will take its spot over millennia.
4) Orion Nebula
The Orion Nebula, a nearby stellar nursery, is visible under dark skies. It’s located below the three stars of Orion’s Belt. This nebula is actively forming stars and has been a focal point for research by telescopes like Hubble and James Webb.
Recent studies have imaged disks around newborn stars here, providing insights into how solar systems might develop.
5) Pleiades Star Cluster
The Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, is an open star cluster with over 1,000 stars. It appears like a small patch of light in dark skies, visible in the east around midnight. With binoculars, you can see many individual stars, including Asterope, Celaeno, and Alcyone.
Interestingly, our Sun likely originated in a star cluster similar to this one billions of years ago.
6) The Milky Way
Finally, turn your gaze to our home galaxy, the Milky Way. Look for it stretching across the night sky after dark in September. The Milky Way is populated with stars, gas, and dust, all forming the stunning streak of light you see. Head away from city lights for the best view, and enjoy the cosmic beauty of our barred spiral galaxy.
As Astronomy Day approaches, stargazing brings wonder and discovery. Keep up with the night sky by checking out monthly sky maps for updates on what’s visible in the cosmos. Happy stargazing!
