Astronomical Events in September 2025 – 2 Eclipses, Equinox & More
September is a stargazer's dream come true! This month has it all: an equinox, a solar and a lunar eclipse, brilliant Saturn, Venus hidden behind the Moon, and even more. To see all these events, you don't need anything but our free Sky Tonight app – it'll help you easily find celestial objects in the sky above you and ensure you don't miss out on the key astronomical highlights of the month. Now, let's dive into what September has in store for us!
Contents
- September Celestial Events Calendar: What’s Up in the Sky This Month
- Top 6 Astronomical Events in the September Sky
- Moon Phases in September 2025
- Planets in the Sky – September 2025
- Best Constellations – September 2025
- Meteor Showers – September 2025
- How to Navigate the Night Sky?
- Bottom Line: September Sky Events 2025
September Celestial Events Calendar: What’s Up in the Sky This Month
The event dates are given in Greenwich Mean Time, so the dates may vary depending on the time zone. To find out the time of the event at your location, use the Sky Tonight application.
- September 1: Aurigids’ peak (ZHR = 10); Venus (mag -3.9) near the Beehive Cluster (mag 3.1);
- September 2: Mercury (mag -1.3) near Regulus (mag 1.4);
- September 4: Lunar occultation of Pluto (mag 14.4);
- September 6: Uranus begins retrograde motion;
- September 7: Full Moon; total lunar eclipse 🌟;
- September 8: Moon near Saturn (mag 0.7) and Neptune (mag 7.8);
- September 9: September ε-Perseids’ peak (ZHR = 5);
- September 12: Lunar occultation of the Pleiades (mag 1.2) 🌟, Moon near Uranus (mag 5.7)
- September 13: Mars (mag 1.6) near Spica (1.0), Mercury at superior conjunction with the Sun
- September 14: Last Quarter Moon;
- September 16: Moon near Jupiter (mag -2.0) and Pollux (mag 1.2);
- September 17: Moon near the Beehive Cluster (mag 3.1)
- September 19: Moon near Regulus (mag 1.4) and Venus (mag -3.9) 🌟, Lunar occultation of Venus (mag -3.9) 🌟;
- September 21: Saturn (mag 0.6) at opposition 🌟; partial solar eclipse 🌟; New Moon;
- September 22: September equinox 🌟; Moon near Mercury (mag -1.0)
- September 23: Neptune (mag 7.8) at opposition; Moon near Spica (mag 1.0)
- September 24: Moon near Mars (mag 1.6)
- September 27: Sextantids’ peak (ZHR = 5); lunar occultation of Antares (mag 1.0);
- September 29: First Quarter Moon.
*The highlighted events are the most interesting events of the month.
About magnitude: the faintest magnitude for stars and planets visible to the naked eye in cities with moderate light pollution is about 4. The limiting magnitude of an optical device depends on its specification but rarely exceeds 11.
Top 6 Astronomical Events in the September Sky
Total Lunar Eclipse – September 7
On September 7, from 17:30 to 18:52 GMT, a total lunar eclipse will grace the night sky. During totality, the Moon will take on a striking reddish hue due to sunlight refracting through Earth’s atmosphere — a phenomenon often called a “Blood Moon.” The eclipse will be visible from Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, western North America, eastern South America, the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans, the Arctic, and Antarctica. The Moon will be in the constellation Aquarius during the event. No optical aid is needed, but binoculars or a small telescope will enhance the view of the lunar surface’s subtle color shifts.
A total lunar eclipse, or Blood Moon, is one of the most breathtaking sights in the night sky. But are you fully prepared to enjoy it? Test your knowledge with our fun eclipse quiz! You’ll explore fascinating facts about both solar and lunar eclipses, discover common misconceptions, and get ready to make the most of this rare event.
Lunar Occultation of the Pleiades – September 12
In the early hours of September 12, the Moon will pass in front of the Pleiades star cluster (mag 1.6), temporarily obscuring its stars from view from approximately 20:30 to 22:50 GMT. This lunar occultation will be visible between longitudes 20°E and 90°E and latitudes 20°N and 60°N. This includes northern Africa, Eastern Europe, and Western Asia. Outside these regions, the Moon will pass within 1° of the Pleiades.
Since the Moon will be in a waxing gibbous phase, it won't outshine the brighter stars of the cluster. Enjoy watching them slip behind the Moon!
Read more: How to See the Pleiades Star Cluster
Venus, Moon & Regulus; Lunar Occultation of Venus – September 19
On September 19, Venus (mag -3.9), Regulus (mag 1.4), and the crescent Moon will meet together in the constellation Leo. This celestial meet-up will be visible in the early morning everywhere on Earth. Observe the triangle with the naked eye, or use a telescope to explore Venus’ and the Moon’s features closely.
Moreover, from 10:34 to 14:26 GMT, the Moon will pass in front of Venus (mag -3.9), the brilliant Morning Star. This rare lunar occultation will be visible from Africa, Europe, western Russia, Canada, Greenland, and Asia. The observers outside these regions will see Venus within 0°48' of the Moon.
Read more: Venus: The Brightest Planet
Saturn at Opposition – September 21
On September 21, Saturn reaches opposition, which marks its best visibility of the year. At this point, the Ringed Planet will be opposite the Sun in the sky, rising at sunset and shining all night long at its brightest, at a magnitude of 0.6. Look for Saturn in the constellation Pisces, where it will outshine nearby stars with a steady golden glow.
Read more: Saturn: The Ringed Planet
Partial Solar Eclipse – September 21
September 21 is actually a double treat for skywatchers! On the same day as Saturn’s opposition, parts of the world will experience a partial solar eclipse. Between 17:29 and 21:53 GMT, the Moon will pass in front of the Sun, covering up to 85.5% of its disc. The spectacle will be visible from Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, and the Pacific Islands.
Remember: never look directly at the Sun without proper protection. Use certified eclipse glasses or a solar filter – regular sunglasses or optics are not safe.
Want to stay on top of every solar or lunar eclipse? Save our regularly updated 5 Upcoming Eclipses Infographic, so you’re always ready for the next big moment in the sky!
September Equinox – September 22
September 22 marks the equinox – the moment when Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the Sun. This results in day and night being nearly equal, though not perfectly so. For the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the start of astronomical autumn, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it brings the first day of spring.
While the equinox isn’t particularly notable for astronomical observations, it plays a key role in timekeeping and has deep cultural significance worldwide.
Think you know everything about solstices and equinoxes? Put your knowledge to the test with our fun Solstices & Equinoxes Quiz!
Moon Phases in September 2025
- Full Moon: September 7, 18:09 GMT (2:09 p.m. EDT)
- Last Quarter: September 14, 10:33 GMT (6:33 a.m. EDT)
- New Moon: September 21, 19:54 GMT (3:54 p.m. EDT)
- First Quarter: September 29, 23:54 GMT (7:54 p.m. EDT)
Full Moon – September 7
The Full Moon on September 7 at 18:09 GMT will be a sight to remember. In some regions, it coincides with a total lunar eclipse, giving the Moon a deep reddish glow, called the Blood Moon. But even outside the total eclipse visibility zone, the Full Moon is worth watching.
This month, the Full Moon will shine in the constellation Aquarius, with golden Saturn glowing nearby. Traditionally, September’s Moon is called the Corn Moon, a name given by Native Americans because it coincides with the corn harvest season.
Read more: Red Corn Full Moon
New Moon – September 21
The New Moon occurs on September 21 at 19:54 GMT. It also coincides with a partial solar eclipse visible in parts of Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, and the Pacific Islands. While the eclipse is a highlight for those in the right location, the real advantage for all observers is the moonless night sky. This is a perfect opportunity to explore the rich star fields of the Milky Way, or capture nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies without interference from moonlight.
Read more: Deep-Sky Objects in September
Planets in the Sky – September 2025
Planets Visible in the Northern Hemisphere – September 2025
Mercury (Leo, Virgo): Can be seen low on the eastern horizon in the morning during the first half of the month. Brightens from a magnitude of -1.2 to -0.5 as it approaches the Sun, but gets harder to spot. Reaches the superior conjunction with the Sun on September 13 and becomes invisible.
Venus (Cancer, Leo): Shines as the dazzling “Morning Star” at a magnitude of -3.9 in the east. On September 19, it meets Regulus and the thin waning crescent Moon. In some locations, a lunar occultation of Venus will be seen that day.
Mars (Virgo): Visible very low in the evening sky early in the month, but soon disappears in solar glare. Not favorable for observations. Has a steady magnitude of 1.6.
Jupiter (Gemini): Rises after midnight and remains visible until dawn. Slightly brightens from a magnitude of -2.0 to -2.1 by the end of September.
Saturn (Pisces): Well-placed for observations, reaches opposition on September 21, visible all night. Appears at its brightest at a magnitude of 0.7 to 0.6. Through a telescope, the Saturn rings will appear almost at the edge, tilted at only 2 degrees, but you can observe stripes and details on the planet’s surface.
Uranus (Taurus): Rises in the early evening and is visible from midnight onward. Begins retrograde motion on September 6. Too faint for the naked eye, but binoculars or a telescope reveal it at a magnitude of 5.7 to 5.6.
Neptune (Pisces): Well-placed for observations, reaches opposition on September 23, visible all night at a magnitude of 7.8. Binoculars or a telescope are required to see this distant planet.
Planets Visible in the Southern Hemisphere – September 2025
Mercury (Leo, Virgo): Difficult to see this month, as it nears the superior conjunction with the Sun on September 13 and is lost in the Sun’s glare. May only be seen low on the eastern morning horizon at the end of the month. As it approaches the Sun, it brightens from magnitude -1.2 to -0.5 but becomes harder to spot.
Venus (Cancer, Leo): The brilliant “Morning Star” shines at a magnitude of -3.9 low in the northeastern sky. On September 19, it meets Regulus and the thin crescent Moon. In some locations, a lunar occultation of Venus will be seen that day.
Mars (Virgo): Poorly placed for observation, barely visible in the west at sunset before vanishing into solar glare. Has a steady magnitude of 1.6.
Jupiter (Gemini): Rises shortly after midnight in the northeast and remains visible until dawn. Brightens slightly from a magnitude of -2.0 to -2.1 by month’s end.
Saturn (Pisces): Visible at its best of the year, reaching opposition on September 21. Shines bright at a magnitude of 0.7 to 0.6 and is visible all night — rising in the evening, highest at midnight, setting at dawn. Through a telescope, the Saturn rings will appear almost at the edge, tilted at only 2 degrees, but you can observe stripes and details on the planet’s surface.
Uranus (Taurus): Rises in the early evening and best viewed around midnight. Begins retrograde motion on September 6. Too faint for the naked eye, but binoculars or a telescope reveal it at a magnitude of 5.7–5.6.
Neptune (Pisces): Well-placed for observations, reaches opposition on September 23, visible all night at a magnitude of 7.8. Binoculars or a telescope are required to see this distant planet.
Best Constellations – September 2025
In September, both hemispheres enjoy a mix of notable constellations. Look for the constellations of the zodiac family along the ecliptic: Pisces, Aquarius, Capricornus, and Sagittarius are well-seen from both hemispheres, while Scorpius remains a highlight for the Southern Hemisphere. The “13th zodiac constellation,” Ophiuchus, is also easy to spot from both sides of the globe. Beyond the zodiac, skywatchers can still enjoy the Summer Triangle asterism (Aquila, Cygnus, Lyra), as well as Pegasus and Andromeda rising higher through the night. There is also a chance to glimpse Piscis Austrinus, a southern constellation marked by its bright star Fomalhaut, glowing low in the southern sky of the Northern Hemisphere.
Meteor Showers – September 2025
Only three minor meteor showers will peak in September — the Aurigids on September 1, the September Epsilon (ε) Perseids on September 9, and the Daytime Sextantids on September 27.
The Aurigids reach their peak on September 1, at around 3:00 GMT, producing up to 10 meteors per hour. The observing conditions are not so favorable, as the half-lit Moon will remain in the sky for most of the night and wash out the meteors.
Epsilon Perseids are much weaker than their August namesakes, producing only 5 meteors per hour at their peak. Making matters worse, the meteor shower peaks just two days after the Full Moon, so moonlight will hinder the view.
The Daytime Sextantid meteor shower (ZHR = 5) occurs during the day (hence the name), as its radiant point is close to the Sun. Most of the meteors are washed out by the sunlight, but you can catch some “shooting stars” in the twilight before the Sun is fully up. Look for them around 4 or 5 a.m., when the Sun isn't blocking the view. Learn more about astronomical events that can be visible during the daytime.
Read more: September Meteor Showers
How to Navigate the Night Sky?
Want to discover objects in the sky, like stars and planets? Try out the Sky Tonight app on your phone. It's like a map that shows what's up there when you look up. And guess what? You don't even need the internet once you get on your phone. So, if you're camping or hiking, it still works.
Just open the app, point your phone at the sky, and it tells you the names of constellations, stars, and more. And if you want to get really good at knowing what's in the night sky, there are videos that can teach you how to use the app.
Bottom Line: September Sky Events 2025
September 2025 is packed with exciting astronomical events, including a total lunar eclipse, a partial solar eclipse, Saturn at opposition, lunar occultations of Venus and the Pleiades, and the September equinox. Use the free Sky Tonight app to easily navigate the night sky and catch all the action!
