WASHINGTON, D.C.
NASA shared tips for watching the night sky. September has bright planets to see. Scientists also shared pictures from a recent solar eclipse.
An eclipse is when the moon covers the sun. It made the sky go dark for a bit. Look up this month for a great show.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
NASA released its skywatching guide for September 2026. The guide tells stargazers which planets are visible this month. It also features recent photos from a solar eclipse. During an eclipse, the moon passes between Earth and the sun.
This blocks sunlight and darkens the sky for a short time. NASA's photo pages showed the eclipse's shadow moving across the ground. Scientists and photographers around the world captured the rare event. NASA encourages families to look up and enjoy the night sky.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
NASA released its skywatching guide for September 2026, highlighting what stargazers can see this month. The guide points out which planets will be visible in the evening sky. It also features recent images and stories connected to a solar eclipse. A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes directly between Earth and the sun. During the event, the moon's shadow sweeps across parts of Earth's surface, briefly darkening the sky.
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day series published several posts exploring the eclipse's science and its place in human culture. One image, titled 'Chasing the Moon's Shadow,' showed the eclipse's path as seen from the ground. Photographers and scientists around the world traveled to capture the rare alignment. Eclipses have fascinated people for thousands of years, inspiring myths, art, and scientific study alike. NASA uses these events to teach the public about orbital mechanics and the solar system.
The agency also encourages families to use safe viewing methods whenever the sun is involved. Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can damage the eyes without proper equipment. Beyond the eclipse, September's night sky offers a good opportunity to spot bright planets with the naked eye. NASA's monthly guides aim to make skywatching accessible for beginners and experienced observers alike.
Sources: NASA Science, 'What's Up: September 2026 Skywatching Tips' (https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/skywatching/whats-up-september-2026-skywatching-tips-from-nasa/); NASA APOD, 'Chasing the Moon's Shadow' (https://science.nasa.gov/image-article/apod-2026-september-5-chasing-the-moons-shadow/); NASA Science, 'What's Up: September 2026 Skywatching Tips' (https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/skywatching/whats-up-september-2026-skywatching-tips-from-nasa/); NASA APOD, 'Chasing the Moon's Shadow' (https://science.nasa.gov/image-article/apod-2026-september-5-chasing-the-moons-shadow/); NASA APOD, 'Solar Eclipses and Culture' (https://science.nasa.gov/image-article/apod-2026-september-2-solar-eclipses-and-culture/)
Published in Monday, September 7, 2026 edition.