The Night Sky - September 2010

The Sun is ow heading southwards on the ecliptic thus increasing the hours of darkness significantly. By 9pm BST, the summer triangle stars Deneb, Vega and Altair are past the meridan moving into the south-western sky. Midnight's eastern sky shows the 'W' of Cassiopeia high overhead with Perseus slightly below in the north east. Look out for Jupiter in the east which rises approx. 9pm BST and reached oppostion on the 21st of the month.

Highlights of the Month:

• 1st: After sunset: Venus and Mars with Spica
• 17th to 25th: Observe Mercury in the pre-dawn sky
• 21st: Jupiter at opposition

Information collated from Jodrell Bank and Astronomy Now magazine