10 night sky events to see in September, from a blood moon eclipse to a prime view of the Milky Way

This September, the night sky offers a breathtaking lineup of celestial events, giving stargazers plenty of reasons to head outdoors after dark. From a total lunar eclipse that will bathe the moon in red to planetary alignments and stargazing-perfect nights, the month is packed with astronomical highlights.

Below is a detailed look at the most dazzling events to watch in September 2025:

Total Lunar Eclipse and the “Corn Moon” — September 7

On September 7, a total lunar eclipse will transform the moon into a deep shade of red for 82 minutes, lasting from 17:30 to 18:52 UTC.

• Best visibility: Much of Asia, eastern Africa, and western Australia.
• Partial visibility: Europe, Africa, and Oceania will catch glimpses of the eclipse.
• Not visible: The Americas, as the moon will rise too late.

At the same time, observers in the Western Hemisphere will still have a treat—the full “Corn Moon”, a name tied to North American Indigenous harvest traditions.

The Moon, Saturn, and Neptune Alignment — September 8

On September 8, the moon will form a striking trio with Saturn and Neptune, all appearing within just 3.5 degrees of each other.

• Saturn: Visible to the naked eye.
• Neptune: Requires binoculars or a telescope.
• Peak viewing: Around midnight to early morning, depending on location.

The Moon Meets Jupiter — September 16

In the early hours of September 16, the waning crescent moon will pass within 4.5 degrees of Jupiter.

• Visible from after midnight until dawn.
• With binoculars or a telescope, observers can also spot Jupiter’s four Galilean moons.

Venus Occultation by the Moon — September 19

On September 19, skywatchers in parts of the world will witness a rare occultation of Venus, as the planet slips behind the moon.

• Visible in: Europe, Greenland, parts of Canada, and Africa.
• Elsewhere: Venus and the moon will appear extremely close together in the predawn sky, separated by just arc minutes.

Prime Stargazing Conditions — September 21

The new moon on September 21 brings one of the best nights of the month for deep-sky viewing. With little to no moonlight, faint celestial objects will shine more brightly.

• Best time to view the Milky Way’s galactic core from the Northern Hemisphere.
• Ideal for spotting galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters with a telescope or even binoculars.

September 2025: A Month for Skywatchers

From eclipses to rare planetary alignments, September 2025 is shaping up to be a dream month for astronomy lovers. Whether you’re watching with the naked eye or through a telescope, the night sky promises awe-inspiring sights almost every week.