Night Sky Update: Embrace the Celestial Splendor! As the equinox ushers in the autumnal season, the cosmos is gearing up for a breathtaking show, with the nights growing longer in the northern hemisphere. It’s the perfect time to indulge in some celestial stargazing. Here’s a glimpse of the captivating naked-eye events in our solar system you won’t want to miss in the coming month.
29th September – Last Full Supermoon of the Year:
On September 29, 2023, we are graced with the presence of September’s full moon, affectionately known as the Harvest Moon. It will ascend the night sky, reaching its zenith at 2:58 a.m. PT. The lunar spectacle promises to be larger and more luminous than usual, casting a mesmerizing glow upon the world. Watch my video with tips on how to photograph the Moon here: https://youtu.be/58-w3mZoq40
14th October – Solar Eclipse in America: Prepare for an extraordinary celestial phenomenon!
On October 14, 2023, North America will witness a unique solar eclipse. As the moon aligns itself perfectly between Earth and the Sun, it will not completely obscure our parent star. Instead, it will create a striking “ring of fire.” This annular eclipse will be visible within a roughly 125-mile-wide path, spanning from Oregon to Texas and extending into Mexico and northern South America. Those outside this path will still witness a partial solar eclipse, providing the weather plays along. Note: Always prioritize safety when observing the Sun. Only during the total phase of a total eclipse is it safe to view the Sun without specialized eye protection. For the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, ensure you have the proper equipment to safeguard your eyes. Watch my video on how to safely observe and photograph the Sun here: https://youtu.be/SMKXqFGSLUU?si=Oj2Dnr8Oskf0Moem
A partial solar eclipse in 2022, the Netherlands, caught with my 80/480mm refractor telescope
28th October – Partial Lunar Eclipse:
October 28, 2023, promises another celestial spectacle as a partial lunar eclipse graces our night sky. The lunar event unfolds as follows:
- The penumbral eclipse begins at 18:01 UTC on October 28 (2:01 p.m. EDT).
- Partial eclipse commences at 19:34 UTC on October 28 (3:34 p.m. EDT).
- The greatest eclipse occurs at 20:14 UTC on October 28 (4:14 p.m. EDT) with an umbral magnitude of 0.12393. Only a small sliver of the moon will fall inside the umbral shadow.
- Partial eclipse concludes at 20:52 UTC on October 28 (4:52 p.m. EDT).
- Penumbral eclipse ends at 22:26 UTC on October 28 (6:26 p.m. EDT).
Though categorized as a partial lunar eclipse, most of this event will appear as a penumbral lunar eclipse, with minimal changes in the moon’s brightness and color.
Planetary Highlights in October 2023:
Our neighboring planets are putting on a spectacular show as well!
Saturn: Currently just beyond opposition, Saturn graces the night sky in the south/southwest and is visible throughout the night. Grab your telescope to marvel at its magnificent ring system.
Saturn is low above the horizon at my latitude, but the Cassini division and Saturns’ rings are definitely visible through my Edge HD 8″ telescope.
Jupiter: This gas giant is drawing closer to Earth throughout October 2023. It rises in the east, moves towards the south, and remains visible all night long, accompanied by its Galilean moons. It’s an ideal time for both observation and photography enthusiasts to capture Jupiter’s grandeur.
This is a 3-hour timelapse video I took of Jupiter and Moon Io, when Jupiter was near opposition in 2023 with my Edge HD 8″ telescope.
Venus: The “Morning Star” gleams brightly just before sunrise, beckoning your gaze towards the eastern horizon.
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As the nights grow longer and crisper, seize the opportunity to bask in the beauty of the cosmos. Wishing you clear skies and unforgettable celestial experiences. Have a fantastic day, fellow stargazers!
Warm regards, Wido 🌌🔭🪐