BOTSWANA SKY CALENDAR
Introduction to the night skies in September by Harold Hester – Intro Sept 2022
The skies in September 2022
Moon
| Date | Time | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 03/09 | 20h07 | First Quarter |
| 10/09 | 11h59 | Full Moon |
| 17/09 | 23h52 | Last Quarter |
| 25/09 | 23h54 | New Moon |
Planet Visibility
Venus is not visible this month
Mars is visible near the stars of the constellation Taurus
Jupiter is visible near the stars of the constellation Pisces
Saturn is visible near the stars of the constellation Capricornus
Some easy to identify bright stars
Rigel: blue supergiant in Orion
Betelgeuse: red supergiant in Orion
Procyon: yellowish white star in Canis Minor
Sirius: brightest star in the night sky, located in Canis Major
Antares: red supergiant in Scorpius
Arcturus: red giant in Boötes
Spica: brightest bluish-white star in Virgo
Canopus: yellowish-white star in Carina
Altair: a white star, brightest in Aquila
Regulus: blue–white star and the brightest star in Leo
The Pointers: Alpha and Beta Centauri
Planetary and Other Events – Morning and Evening
One can still catch Saturn, Jupiter and Mars in the morning sky. Saturn is visible in the evening till the morning skies. With a small telescope its beautiful rings can be observed. Saturn is located near the stars of the constellation Capricornus and is near the Moon on the 7th and 8th of September. Jupiter can be observed near the stars of the constellation Pisces and will be near the Moon on the 11th of September. Jupiter reaches opposition on the 26th of September and is well positioned for observation. Check out the four big moons of Jupiter with a small telescope. Mars is located near the stars of the constellation Taurus and will be near the moon on the 17th of September. Uranus and Neptune are also visible in the morning sky. Neptune reaches opposition on the 16th of September and is well positioned to be observed. Those that have access to dark skies and have a better telescope can check the blue planet out. Venus reached solar conjunction and is not visible this month. Mercury can be observed towards the end of the month,
Credits – Sivuyile Manxoyi