September 2010 Sky Events

Observer Location:Beijing (39.904°, 116.407°)

Monthly Sky Events Overview

22 sky events total, including 4 moon phases and 4 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 2010 mid-month observing conditions

Mercury

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: 0.4
Constellation: Virgo
Angular diameter: 8.2"
Status: near greatest eastern elongation

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

Right ascension: 10h29m12s
Declination: +08°57'52"

Venus

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: -4.7
Constellation: Scorpius
Angular diameter: 34.5"
Status: near superior conjunction

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: 14h02m23s
Declination: -17°30'34"

Mars

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: 1.5
Constellation: Libra
Angular diameter: 4.2"
Status: near western quadrature

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

Right ascension: 13h51m39s
Declination: -11°34'14"

Jupiter

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: -2.9
Constellation: Pisces
Angular diameter: 49.8"
Status: near eastern 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: 23h59m46s
Declination: -01°45'30"

Saturn

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: 1.0
Constellation: Libra
Angular diameter: 15.8"
Status: near western quadrature

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

Right ascension: 12h24m38s
Declination: -00°18'29"

Uranus

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

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

Right ascension: 23h57m07s
Declination: -01°10'09"

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: 21h56m05s
Declination: -13°05'53"

Moon

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: -12.7
Constellation: Sagittarius
Angular diameter: 11987.6"
Status: Moon illumination 47.6%

Observation tip: Moon illumination 47.6%; good for observing lunar surface detail

Right ascension: 17h12m24s
Declination: -24°42'43"