Sky News

Sky Events

September 2026

September 1: The Aurigid meteor shower at its peak rate of meteors . The shower is likely produce its best displays shortly before dawn, when its radiant point is highest.

September 6: Conjunction of Moon and Mars with Moon passing 3°00′ to the north of Mars in the predawn sky.

September 8: Conjunction of Moon and Jupiter with Moon passing 50′ to the north of Jupiter in the predawn sky.

September 9: September ε-Perseid meteor shower peaks. The shower is likely produce its best displays in the hours around 05:00 EDT, when its radiant point is highest in the sky.

September 10: New Moon. The Moon will not be visible in the night sky. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.

September 26 : Full Moon. Visible all night. Worst time for viewing deep sky objects.

September 27 : Conjunction of Moon and Saturn with with the Moon passing 6°55′ to the north of Saturn. The pair will reach their highest point around 1 am EDT.

Planets in september

Mercury: Poorly placed evening planet

Venus: Fading evening planet

Mars: Rising after midnight, treks across sky in early AMs

Jupiter: Becoming visible in the predawn sky as month carries on

Saturn: Well positioned for observing throughout the night

October 2026

October 3: Last Quarter Moon

October 4: Saturn at opposition. Opposition occurs when the planet is opposite (180°) from the sun in the sky, typically this is best viewing for superior planets.

October 5: Conjunction of Moon and Mars with Moon passing 1°08′ to the north of Mars in the pre-dawn sky.

October 6: Lunar occultation of Jupiter (the moon will pass in front of Jupiter). Camelopardalid meteor shower peaks in the northern sky

October 9: Draconid meteor shower peaks in the northern sky

October 10: New Moon. The Moon will not be visible in the night sky. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere. Southern Taurid meteor shower peaks, producing its best displays around 2:00 am EDT.

October 18: First Quarter Moon. ε-Geminid meteor shower peaks producing best displays in the eastern pre-dawn sky.

October 21 : Orionid meteor shower peaks, producing its best display in the early AMs.

October 24 : Conjunction of Moon and Saturn with the Moon passing 6°47′ to the north of Saturn. The pair will reach their highest point around 1 1 pm EDT.

October 26 : Full Moon. Visible all night. Worst time for viewing deep sky objects.

Planets in October

Mercury: Remains too low for observation

Venus: Not visible

Mars: Rising after midnight, treks across sky in early AMs

Jupiter: Visible before sunrise

Saturn: Great viewing throughout the nights

Weather

Astronomical observation depends on clear skies. Check the weather before making any observing plans, and always call the information line at the Jordan Observatory, 207.581.1348, to check viewing conditions before visiting.

Additional Helpful Links

Sunrise and Sunset Chart for Orono

Bangor, Maine Area Television Weather

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Donations help secure the future of the Jordan Planetarium and observatory here at the University of Maine. They assist in acquiring new programming, keeping our technology up to date, and providing numerous astronomy and science opportunities for students of all ages and the general public.

Donations to the astronomy center can be made here.

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