September 2008 Sky Events

Observer Location:Beijing (39.904°, 116.407°)

Monthly Sky Events Overview

24 sky events total, including 4 moon phases and 3 planetary events.

Daily Sky Events

All times are in local time (Asia/Shanghai)

Group Date Sunrise/Sunset Moonrise/Moonset Moon Phase Sky Events

Planetary outlook

September 2008 mid-month observing conditions

Mercury

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: 0.3
Constellation: Libra
Angular diameter: 7.5"
Status: near superior conjunction

Observation tip: Visible to the naked eye; Mercury stays close to the Sun; best seen at dusk or dawn

Right ascension: 13h04m57s
Declination: -10°13'40"

Venus

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: -3.9
Constellation: Libra
Angular diameter: 11.3"
Status: near greatest western elongation

Observation tip: Very bright, easily visible to the naked eye; Venus is the brightest planet and is best seen at dusk or dawn

Right ascension: 13h10m26s
Declination: -06°51'26"

Mars

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: 1.7
Constellation: Libra
Angular diameter: 3.8"
Status: near western quadrature

Observation tip: Visible to the naked eye; Its reddish appearance is obvious; it is best observed near opposition

Right ascension: 13h03m58s
Declination: -06°25'40"

Jupiter

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: -2.4
Constellation: Capricornus
Angular diameter: 41.8"
Status: near western quadrature

Observation tip: Very bright, easily visible to the naked eye; Its moons are easy to spot and it is excellent for telescope observing

Right ascension: 18h54m55s
Declination: -23°09'04"

Saturn

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: 0.9
Constellation: Virgo
Angular diameter: 16.1"
Status: near eastern quadrature

Observation tip: Visible to the naked eye; Saturn’s rings require a telescope to see clearly

Right ascension: 11h01m01s
Declination: +08°07'27"

Uranus

Fair
Apparent magnitude: 5.8
Constellation: Pisces
Angular diameter: 3.7"
Status: near western quadrature

Observation tip: Binoculars are recommended; Binoculars or a telescope are recommended

Right ascension: 23h26m43s
Declination: -04°28'05"

Neptune

Fair
Apparent magnitude: 7.7
Constellation: Aquarius
Angular diameter: 2.3"
Status: near western quadrature

Observation tip: A telescope is required; A telescope is required; Neptune appears blue-green

Right ascension: 21h38m11s
Declination: -14°29'19"

Moon

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: -12.7
Constellation: Pisces
Angular diameter: 12250.9"
Status: Moon illumination 99.8%

Observation tip: Moon illumination 99.8%; good for observing lunar surface detail

Right ascension: 23h10m42s
Declination: -02°30'59"