September equinox 2026
Day and night are about equal; nights in the north are getting long and dark again.
When
What it is
Equinoxes and solstices mark the Earth’s position on its orbit: the Sun crosses the celestial equator, or reaches its farthest point north or south of it.
How to see it
Nothing special to watch, but it changes how long and how dark your nights are — check how many dark hours you get tonight on the map.
Check the clouds for that night
See also
The Moon meets Jupiter, 8 September 2026
The Moon passes 0.8° from Jupiter — a pretty pair for the naked eye and the camera.
The Moon meets Venus, 14 September 2026
The Moon passes 0.5° from Venus — a pretty pair for the naked eye and the camera.
Neptune at opposition 2026
Neptune is opposite the Sun: up all night, at its closest and brightest (magnitude 7.8) in Pisces.
June solstice 2026
The longest day in the north — and the shortest, brightest nights.
December solstice 2026
The longest night of the year in the north — the most hours of darkness for stargazing.
March equinox 2027
Day and night are about equal; spring begins in the north.