ASTRONOMY CALENDAR

presented by Md Moshiur Rahman

Astronomical events for September:

4: Last quarter moon

11: New moon

19: First quarter moon

26: Full moon

Planet watch

Mercury is very difficult to see in the sunset glow during September. Binoculars aid viewers 20 to 30 minutes after sundown. Look low in the west and near the horizon on a clear evening.

Venus is true to its nickname, "Morning Star." It is seen glowing brilliantly at dawn. Look low in the east early in the month, then watch the planet climb higher during the month, reaching maximum brightness by month's end.

Mars is seen in the east as it rises in the late evening sky. Mars is in Taurus the Bull for most of the month; then it moves into Gemini the Twins. Best telescope views are in the third week of September.

Jupiter is located in the south southwest at twilight. Look in the constellation Scorpius the Scorpion. The planet appears near Antares, the bright red star in Scorpius. Jupiter is lower in the sky throughout the month and best viewed an hour or so after sunset. It sets about 10 p.m. by the end of the month.

Saturn rises in the dawn in the constellation Leo the Lion. The ringed planet rises with Regulus, the bright heart star of the lion. Binoculars help viewers spot the pair. Saturn is higher in the east and easier to see as the month continues.

Free telescope viewing, presented by members of the Fort Worth Astronomical Society, will be Sept. 22 on the north parking lot of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1501 Montgomery St

Online: For more information, visit the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History Web site at www.fortworthmuseum.org.