In September, Taipei Astronomical Science Education Center (Astronomical Museum) announced a lineup of major astronomical events including a total lunar eclipse, Saturn opposition, and the dance of star clusters and the moon.
The Astronomical Museum in Taipei revealed in a press release that September is packed with celestial events. The most significant event of the year, the total lunar eclipse, will take place in the early hours of September 8. The Moon will traverse the Earth’s shadow from 00:27 to 03:56, lasting a total of 3 hours and 29 minutes. During the phase of total eclipse, the Moon will display a peculiar dark red color.
This marks the return of a total lunar eclipse that is entirely visible since 2018. Observers can enjoy this “blood moon” spectacle with the naked eye by choosing a spacious open area with a broad southwest view.
In addition to the lunar eclipse, around 3:00 in the morning on September 1, Venus and the Pleiades star cluster will rise together from the northeast, separated by only about 1 degree. With a brightness of -3.9 magnitudes, Venus will shine prominently beside the Pleiades star cluster, composed of dozens of small stars, creating a dazzling display best observed through binoculars.
From the early hours of September 13 until just before sunrise, the waning crescent moon will approach the Pleiades star cluster. Also known as the Seven Sisters, the Pleiades star cluster is revered as the “jewelry box of the night sky” and is one of the few star clusters easily visible to the naked eye. On that day, the waning crescent moon will come close to within 1 degree of the Pleiades star cluster, appearing together through binoculars, making it one of the must-see night sky beauties of September.
Saturn will be at opposition on September 21, the closest it comes to Earth this year. This presents the best opportunity to admire this planet with its broad rings, often hailed as the most beautiful planet in the solar system. On that night, Saturn’s ring tilt angle will be a mere 1.8 degrees, looking like a thin line piercing through Saturn when observed through a telescope. The tilt angle of Saturn’s rings will vary within a narrow range throughout the year, and on November 24, it will reach another extreme with only 0.4 degrees, almost making the rings disappear.
These astronomical events in September offer a captivating spectacle for skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts alike, providing a rare opportunity to witness the beauty and wonder of the cosmos up close.