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Discover the celestial wonders of autumn, from Supermoons to eclipses and meteor showers. Explore planet sightings and International Space Station passes in the night sky. With a calendar full of celestial delights, this autumn promises to be a captivating season for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts.
As we welcome the arrival of autumn, the celestial stage is set for a captivating series of astronomical events. On Saturday, September 23rd, at precisely 8:50 AM, the astronomical autumn commences as the Sun aligns with the point of Libra in the sky. This marks the beginning of astronomical autumn, which will continue until December 22nd, when winter takes over.
Supermoon Spectacle:
This autumn, skywatchers will be treated to a Supermoon on September 29th, where the Moon will appear larger and brighter due to its proximity to Earth.
Eclipses and Meteor Showers:
While a solar eclipse graces parts of North and South America on October 14th, a partial lunar eclipse will be visible on the night of October 28th-29th. Additionally, meteor enthusiasts can look forward to several meteor showers, including the Draconids, Orionids, Taurids, Leonids, and Geminids throughout October and November.
Planetary Observations:
Autumn is an ideal time for observing planets. Jupiter rises in the early evening, and for those equipped with a telescope, Uranus can be spotted between Jupiter and the Pleiades. Saturn is also visible in the evening sky. In the morning, Venus shines brightly, while Mercury can be seen low on the horizon. Neptunian enthusiasts can observe it through a telescope throughout the night.
International Space Station Passes:
In the first autumn evenings, the International Space Station will make visible passes over Poland. More opportunities to witness it will arise in late October and November, both in the morning and evening.