Venus and Jupiter shining as two bright points close together above a silhouetted horizon at dusk

Tonight’s Sky – Saturn rises into the evening – September 17th

Saturn rises into the eastern evening, giving you a bright, steady world to find after twilight.

  • Saturn after dark: Look east after sunset. Saturn rises at 7:37 PM Eastern and becomes observable around 8:37 PM, then remains visible until about 5:52 AM. It shines at about magnitude 0.3, so it stands out as a bright, steady point once the sky darkens.
  • The Moon leads the way: Find the 37% illuminated waxing crescent after sunset. It rose at 1:44 PM Eastern, so it is already above the horizon when evening begins. Give your eyes a few minutes to adjust, then enjoy its changing shape.
  • Keep expectations gentle: The Southern Taurids are active from September 10 through November 20, but their October 10 peak is still weeks away. Tonight is better for a planet than a meteor watch.

Moon note: The Moon is a waxing crescent, 37% illuminated, with moonrise at 1:44 PM Eastern.

Step outside after dinner, face east, and let Saturn reward your patience. For more warm, easy skywatching ideas, join the NOOMMED newsletter.


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