Prepare for a magical month in September 2025, as the night sky offers a thrilling array of celestial events. With Saturn at its brightest and a stunning lunar eclipse (though missed in North America), stargazing enthusiasts will have plenty to marvel at as days shorten and evenings become prime time for skywatching.

1. Fomalhaut: The Autumn Star

Visible all month in the southern night sky, Fomalhaut, also known as the "Autumn Star," shines brightly in the constellation Piscis Austrinus. This is a star to look out for as it makes a rare appearance from mid-northern latitudes.

2. Full Corn Moon with a Lunar Eclipse

On the evening of September 7, watch the full moon rise, known this year as the Corn Moon. While North America won't witness the accompanying total lunar eclipse—visible in Asia, Australia, and parts of the Pacific—this full moon still offers a beautiful sight just after dusk.

3. The Great Square of Pegasus

Look east after dark for the iconic Great Square of Pegasus, a must-see asterism in the autumn sky. Its four bright stars are easily spotted, announcing the arrival of fall and leading us towards the September equinox.

4. Moon and Saturn: A Celestial Pairing

On September 8, catch a dazzling sight as a nearly full moon joins golden Saturn in the eastern sky. This spectacle occurs just before Saturn reaches its peak brightness at the opposition on September 20. Don't forget a small telescope to enjoy its spectacular rings!

5. A ‘Diamond’ in the Sky

Before dawn on September 16, a slender crescent moon, with Jupiter and the twin stars Castor and Pollux from Gemini, will form a beautiful diamond shape in the sky. This alignment offers a breathtaking sight!

6. Venus and Regulus Align

Rise early on September 19 to see a stunning conjunction where a thin crescent moon, Venus, and Regulus align closely, just above the eastern horizon—one of the best naked-eye sightings of the month!

7. Saturn at Opposition: The Night to Watch!

Mark your calendar for September 21, the best night of the year to view Saturn! The ringed planet will rise at sunset and shine brightly in the sky. The rings will appear nearly edge-on, providing an incredible sight through a telescope.

8. Partial Solar Eclipse Across the Southern Hemisphere

On September 22, during the new moon, a partial solar eclipse will delight viewers in New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, and Antarctica. Witness up to 79% of the sun's surface covered at sunrise.

9. Fall Equinox: A Shift in Daylight

September 22 also marks the fall equinox! At 2:20 PM EDT, day and night will be roughly equal in length, signaling darker nights ahead. The sun will rise due east and set due west on this wonderful day.

10. Expect the Northern Lights!

For two weeks following the equinox, thrilling auroral displays may light up the northern sky. As Earth aligns favorably with the solar wind, keep your eyes peeled for the magical Northern Lights!

11. The Andromeda Galaxy Awaits You!

Finally, throughout the month, gaze towards the northwest after dark to find the Andromeda Galaxy. From Cassiopeia’s "W," follow a line to the star Mirach, and you’ll discover this wondrous galaxy, 2.5 million light-years away, even just with binoculars in a dark sky!

So grab your telescopes and binoculars, gather your friends, and gear up for an enchanting September filled with cosmic wonders!