September is a terrific month for planetary viewing with both Jupiter and Saturn to spot in the evening. Look for Jupiter in the east and high in the night sky. You will locate Saturn after sunset in the southeast. The elusive Neptune will be rising in the east at sunset and will be visible all evening.
Fortunately, Neptune will be in opposition to the earth - when earth is precisely between the sun and the other planet. When in this position a planet appears larger and brighter and remains above the horizon for a longer period of time. It gets better. While in opposition Neptune will be making its closets approach to earth. This is called perigee. Even with all this going for it a pair of binoculars or a telescope are recommended for viewing this planet.
At the moment of opposition on September 19, Neptune will be rising in the east at sunset and visible all night reaching its highest point in the sky around midnight.
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