SEPTEMBER  1996

001    SEPTEMBER 2, 1996:   Jupiter in Sagittarius

Just after dark, look due south to see Jupiter low to the horizon. It will look like a bright star, shining with a steady light. It is currently in the constellation of Sagittarius, the Archer. The star pattern looks more like a "teapot" than a centaur drawing back his arrow. If the night is exceptionally clear, rural observers should notice the diffuse glow of the summer Milky Way to the right of Jupiter. The center of our galaxy lies just to the right of the Archer.

002    SEPTEMBER 9, 1996:   Saturn and Fomalhaut

Look east about 10 p.m. to locate Saturn in the lower third of the sky. It should look slightly yellowish, and not overly bright. By 2 a.m. earth’s rotation carries the ringed planet due south. Below and to the right of Saturn is the solitary bright star, Fomalhaut of Piscis Austrinus, the Southern Fish. Saturn should appear slightly brighter. By dawn, 4:00 a.m., Saturn shines in the southwest while Fomalhaut sets.

003    SEPTEMBER 16, 1996:   Rising/Setting Positions of Sun Changing

The change in the amount of daylight is especially apparent during the Autumnal and Vernal Equinox periods. If you can see where the sun rises or sets, mentally mark this position on the horizon and watch how rapidly the position will change during the next few weeks. Early civilizations created calendars by observing the sun’s motion along the horizon. The moon begins the week as a thin crescent in the west. When it is full on Thursday, September 26th, there will be a total lunar eclipse.

004    SEPTEMBER 23, 1996:   Total Lunar Eclipse

Prepare for the "Harvest Moon" total lunar eclipse on Thursday, the 26th. The full moon begins to enter the earth’s shadow at 9:12 p.m. Totality commences at 10:19 and lasts for 70 minutes. The eclipse is over at 12:36 a.m. on the 27th. There is no danger to the eyes when observing a lunar eclipse. The use of binoculars will enhance subtle color variations and make the event much more enjoyable to watch. The bright object below the moon during the eclipse will be the planet Saturn. See if you can observe that the moon is not quite full on Friday evening.

005    SEPTEMBER 30, 1996:   Venus Passes Regulus

Venus is a splendid object low in the predawn, eastern sky about 5:30 a.m. The bright star, which Venus approaches and passes on Thursday the 3rd, will be Regulus in the constellation of Leo, the Lion. Above Venus and slightly to the right, a reddish looking planet should be easily seen. That’s Mars. By Saturday morning, Venus, Mars, and the moon are like widely separated pearls in the southeastern sky.