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Posts by
Editors of EarthSky
The equinox sun rises due east and sets due west
The 2026 September equinox occurs at 00:05 UTC on September 23, 2026. And the equinox sun rises and sets due east and due west.
September 20, 2026
Venus brightest in the evening sky this week
See Venus brightest in the evening sky this week, with greatest brilliancy coming around September 18, 2026. Look west after sunset.
September 13, 2026
Astronomy Essentials
See Venus in the daytime: Here are 3 tips
You can spot Venus in the daytime. One of the best ways is when its near the moon. Here are 3 tips to help you spot the brilliant planet Venus in daylight.
September 13, 2026
Crepuscular rays are sunrays in twilight skies
Crepuscular rays form around twilight when particles in the atmosphere reflect the sun's light beams toward our eyes. See photos of the phenomenon here.
September 13, 2026
What is retrograde motion? And why is the moon moving backwards?
What is retrograde motion? See an image that appears to show the moon moving backwards! An explanation, and more bizarre examples, here.
September 11, 2026
How many stars can you see on a moonless night?
Have you ever wondered how many stars are visible on a given night? It depends on factors including how dark your sky is and what your age is.
September 9, 2026
Cassiopeia the Queen ascends in September and October
Cassiopeia the Queen is an easy-to-find constellation. It has the shape of a W or M. Look for it in the north-northeast sky on September and October evenings.
September 4, 2026
Roman space telescope has launched! You can adopt a pixel
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launched on August 30 from the Kennedy Space Center. Want to add your name to a pixel? Find out how here!
September 2, 2026
Sapphire: September birthstone comes in many colors
Sapphire, the September birthstone, is typically blue, the color caused by small amounts of titanium and iron in the crystal structure.
September 1, 2026
Do you love twilight? The 3 stages explained
Twilight is that magical time between sunlight and darkness. Astronomers, experts on nighttime, recognize 3 stages of twilight.
August 30, 2026
