Mark your calendars and get ready for a celestial spectacle! On September 8, just after sunset, gaze toward the eastern horizon to witness the mesmerizing sight of Saturn sparkling alongside the brilliant waning gibbous moon.

The magnificent ringed planet will rise a mere 5 degrees to the right of the nearly full moon, sitting beneath the stars that outline the head of Pisces, the great western fish. Pro tip: if you extend your arm and hold up your three middle fingers, that’s about 5 degrees in the night sky—making it easy to find this incredible duo!

During this event, the moon will appear almost completely illuminated, showcasing its beauty just one day after the grand total lunar eclipse that left it cloaked in a rusty red hue as it danced through Earth’s shadow.

For those curious about the moon's surface, the nights surrounding a full moon are perfect for exploring the vast lunar maria, or "seas." These unique dark plains were formed billions of years ago when fiery lava flooded impact craters left by ancient asteroid collisions before solidifying into the lunar landscape we see today.

If you want to take your stargazing to the next level, a telescope with an 8-inch (200 mm) aperture will uncover the stunning 2,800-mile-wide Cassini Division in Saturn’s iconic ring system. And keep your eyes peeled—you might even spot the bluish dot of Neptune just 3 degrees to the left of Saturn during moonrise!

For amateur astronomers eager to capture this cosmic dance, be sure to check out our upcoming guide on the best telescope deals for 2025. And if you're into astrophotography, don't miss our list of top cameras to help you document this breathtaking celestial event.