The Nantucket Sky in September 2008
Information courtesy of Dr. Vladimir Strelnitski, Director of Astronomy at the Maria Mitchell Association.
(All times are given in Eastern Daylight Saving Time)
The Sun
(for the first and last days of the month)
Sunrise: 6:07am; 6:36 am
Sunset: 7:13 pm; 6:23 pm
The Moon
New Moon: August 30, 3:58pm, September 29, 4:12am
First Quarter: September 7, 10:04am
Full Moon: September 15, 5:13am
Last Quarter: September 22, 1:04 am
Planets visible with an unaided eye
Mercury, Venus and Mars – a nice, close triplet for almost the whole month, but seen only for a short time, low above the horizon, starting about half an hour after sunset. The best time for Mercury observations will be mid-September; Mars will be lower and lower and Venus – higher and higher each evening during the month.
Jupiter - Still an excellent object to observe in the evening. It shines bright above the famous “Teapot” asterism in Sagittarius. It is due south and the highest just after sunset.
Saturn - Too close to the Sun to be observable in September.
Meteor Showers
None in September.
Zodiac Constellations in the evening
Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn (from west to east; low in the southern part of the sky).
Open Night Schedule
The MMA offers public programs at is observatories year-round. After Friday, Sept. 5, the summer schedule will end and a new schedule will be in effect. View our telescopes, hear expert commentary from our astronomers, get answers to your astronomical questions, and of course observe the wonders of the skies.
Mon., Sept 22, 8-9:30pm Autumnal Equinox Open Night Mark the changing of the seasons by observing the Moon, planets, nebulae, galaxies and more. Weather permitting. 59 Milk St. Ext. Free for MMA members, $10 adult, $5 non-members.
Mon. & Tue., October 6 & 7 8-9:30pm Special Open Night View the Moon, planets, nebulae, galaxies and more. In case of poor weather, a slide show will be offered. 59 Milk St. Ext. Free for MMA members, $10 adult, $5 non-members.
