A nearly full Moon takes over the evening sky, rising in the east just after sunset and staying with you through the night.

• Start with the Moon: Look low in the east at about 7:05 p.m. Eastern (about 1 hour later in Pacific time). It is 99.2% illuminated, so it is an easy, bright target without any equipment.
• Watch it climb: The Moon rises around 7:05 p.m. and remains the easiest thing to find as evening settles in. If you have an open eastern view, you can pick it up quickly.
• Catch the late view: The Moon sets around 7:55 a.m. Eastern, so it stays above the horizon well past bedtime and into the morning. Look toward the west as dawn approaches.

• Bonus, meteor activity: The Southern Taurids are active from September 10 through November 20. Their 2026 maximum is October 10, so tonight is outside the three day peak window. Treat any meteor as a lucky extra.

Moon note: Waning gibbous, 99.2% illuminated, with a rise around 7:05 p.m. and a set around 7:55 a.m. Eastern time.

Step outside after dinner, let the Moon light the way, and give your eyes a few quiet minutes to adjust. For more warm, easy sky notes, join the NOOMMED newsletter.