NASA shares tips for watching the night sky. This month, they suggest looking up after dark. You might see bright planets.
You could also see the moon change shape. Skywatching is fun for the whole family. All you need is a clear night.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
NASA released its monthly skywatching guide for September 2026. The guide offers tips for anyone hoping to look up at the night sky. It highlights simple things to notice, like the moon's changing phases. It also points out bright planets visible without a telescope. Skywatching has become a popular hobby in recent years.
It requires little more than a clear night and some patience. NASA says even city dwellers can spot bright objects away from streetlights. Teachers sometimes use these guides to plan lessons about the solar system. For many families, a night of stargazing offers a simple way to enjoy science together.
Washington, D.C.
NASA publishes a monthly guide called 'What's Up,' offering skywatching tips for anyone curious about the night sky. The September 2026 edition encourages people to look up after dark. It highlights details like the moon's changing phases and any bright planets visible without special equipment. The guide is part of a long-running series NASA uses to make astronomy accessible to the public.
Skywatching has grown in popularity partly because it requires so little equipment. All someone truly needs is a clear night sky and a bit of patience. A dark location away from city lights can make a noticeable difference. NASA notes that even city dwellers can sometimes spot bright stars or planets. This works best from a spot shielded from streetlights. That accessibility is why teachers and families use NASA's monthly tips to spark conversations about space.
Beyond casual stargazing, these guides connect to a broader tradition of citizen science. In citizen science, everyday observers contribute to astronomy just by looking up and sharing what they see. September also marks the start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. The equinox arrives later in the month, bringing longer nights. Longer nights make evening skywatching a bit easier. For students studying the solar system, a real look at the sky can help. It can make lessons feel more concrete.
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/)
Published in Thursday, September 10, 2026 edition.