Welcome to September. And hello, Harvest Moon. As the summer of 2022 fades, the nights become longer in the Northern hemisphere. And you should have some clear views of Draco the Dragon constellation.

The best views of the night sky always depend on the weather. Clouds can always block the spectacle. Lights will fade the sights. And starwatchers get the best results using binoculars or a telescope on a dark night.  

Draco the Dragon 

Canadian researchers just discovered a new planet that appears to be a water world. It is known as “TOI-1452” and orbits one of two small stars in a binary system within Draco close to the Big Dipper.

The ancient constellation of Draco the Dragon is what’s known as a constant. You can see it from the Earth every night all night long. This phenomenon only takes place with a “circumpolar constellation.” And Draco is clearer in the late summer than any other time of the year in the Northern sky.

Draco has always been known as the most “dragon-like or reptilian constellation. The long constellation spoons the Little Dipper below it. And runs parallel to the Big Dipper above it.

The serpentine configuration is marked by the dragon’s “head” quadrangle of bright stars located just to the north of the prominent summertime star Vega.  And TOI-1452 is in that area, as well.

Harvest Moon

The September full moon is commonly known as the Harvest Moon. The name dates back to the early American colonists who depended on the harvest to survive.

This is the time of the year when summer crops are ready to be harvested. And legend has it that before electricity, farmers continued to harvest their crops after sunset by the light of the Harvest Moon.

The Harvest Moon is also known as the Rutting Moon, Falling Leaves Moon, and the Corn Moon.

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the Full Moon comes into view on Friday, September 9th. This year the Harvest Moon will align with both Jupiter and Saturn when it rises. 

This should be easy to spot because Jupiter is expected to be shining brighter than ever throughout the month. Look to the Southern skies.  And when you get Jupiter in your telescope, sights look for Saturn. It is just slightly to the right of our largest planet. But if you want to see Saturn’s rings you will need a telescope.

Autumnal Equinox

 September 22nd marks the beginning of Autumn. The Autumnal equinox is traditionally the start of Fall across the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of Spring across the Southern Hemisphere. 

The date varies year-to-year based on the Earth's exact orbit around the sun. And this year, the equinox happens Thursday, Sept. 22, at 9:03 p.m. EDT.

This is the moment when the sun is pointed directly at the equator. The result is 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of the night everywhere around the globe.

Jupiter Opposition

The Harvest full moon will highlight Jupiter throughout the entire month. And on September 26th Jupiter will go into opposition.

Astronomers use the term opposition when a planet appears directly opposite of the sun from Earth’s view. This is also when Jupiter is closest to the Earth, hence its brighter appearance.

Enjoy the night sights and the Harvest Moon. And welcome to Autumn 2022!