THE 98% ILLUMINATED WANING GIBBOUS MOON VISITS SATURN AND NEPTUNE - 08/09/2025
Well, what an amazing night last night was! Despite the cloud obscuring the total lunar eclipse for most of the UK, we had a few brief glimpses of the Moon through the layers of cloud during partial eclipse and what we did get to see was very special. We hope that you all had a great time despite the cloud too!
Tonight, there will be another special celestial event to enjoy for all you night sky enthusiasts.
On the evening of the 8th of September, the almost full, 98% illuminated waning gibbous Moon will appear close by to the amazing ringed planet Saturn and the distant planet Neptune.
This special gathering will make for a beautiful sight and a fantastic photographic opportunity!
WHEN AND WHERE TO LOOK
The Moon, Neptune and Saturn will be observable all night long, rising around sunset.
The Moon, Neptune and Saturn will rise above Eastern horizon at roughly 19:51, 20:04, and 20:08 BST respectively. After rising above the horizon they will continue to rise higher in the sky travelling towards the South where they will reach their highest in the sky (with the Moon reaching an altitude of around 38 degrees) at roughly 02:00 BST on the morning of the 9th. They will then begin to descend travelling towards the West, with the planets Neptune and Saturn disappearing from view during the dawn twilight and the Moon setting at roughly 08:46 BST.
The Moon and Saturn will be easily visible by eye, with Saturn appearing as a bright star like point of light, Neptune however will require a pair of binoculars or a telescope to observe. If you scan the area of sky between the Moon and Saturn with an optical aid you might be able to spot a faint blue coloured star-like point of light, if you can, that’s Neptune!
If you use a pair of binoculars or a telescope, you will be able to see more detail on the surface of the Moon and you should be able to see the rings of Saturn!
OTHER PLANETS TO LOOK OUT FOR
There are quite a few planets that are visible in our night and early morning skies at the moment, so keep an eye out for these too!
The gas giant Jupiter is currently visible in our early morning skies. Jupiter can be found in the constellation of Gemini, nearby to the two bright stars Pollux and Castor.
The super bright planet Venus can be observed during the early morning twilight hours in the constellation of Cancer. Look below and left of Jupiter to find Venus.
The faint and distant planet Uranus can also be found in the constellation of Taurus. To observe Uranus, you will need the help of a pair of binoculars or a telescope. Scan the area of sky between the bright red star Aldebaran and the Pleiades open star cluster, if you can spot a faint blue-green point of light, that’s Uranus!
WHAT ELSE IS IN THE NIGHT SKY THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER?
If you would like to know more about the other amazing night sky sights that can be seen throughout September, please head to our YouTube channel (@Astrodoguk) to watch our Night Sky Guide video for September 2025.
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES!
We always love hearing about your celestial adventures! If you head out to witness this event or any other sights in the night sky, please feel free to share your stories in the comments below.
GOOD LUCK AND CLEAR SKIES!
We at Astro Dog are excited about this celestial gathering and hope that some of you get the opportunity to observe this special event too!
If you head out to enjoy the night sky at any point in the near future, we wish you good luck and clear skies!
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