September Night Skies

This month's new moon arrives tomorrow and with the illuminated surface of the moon facing opposite from earth the night sky will be exceedingly dark.  Dark skies such as you'll find tomorrow are excellent for taking-in cool stuff in the night sky.

Here's a suggestion if you're viewing with the naked eye or a pair of binoculars.  

The Andromeda galaxy.

2.5 million light years distant, it is the brightest external galaxy and the most distant celestial target that we can view unaided. 

 

Helpful tips:  begin by locating the constellation Cassiopeia (the Queen)  the W-shaped pattern in the northeast sky.  Andromeda will appear as a glowing smudge.  Binoculars are helpful.  A telescope better-yet.

I keep my Celestron scope  in the three season room on the north side of the house so it is a small matter to fetch it and place it on the patio adjacent to the brick oven.  Andromeda will be directly overhead.

Good luck and fingers-crossed for dark skies...