Mercury cannot be seen as it passes behind the sun as seen from Earth (superior conjunction) on the 1st. Mercury will reappear at the end of the month in the western sky in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden) and can be seen after sunset for about 45 minutes. Mercury gets brighter throughout the month. Mercury looks like a small white star.

Mars can be seen for a short time very low near the western horizon in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden). Mars isn’t very bright this month and is only visible for about a half-hour after sunset. Mars looks like a ruddy-colored star.

Jupiter can be seen low in the southwestern sky after sunset in the constellation Libra (the Scales). Jupiter is very bright, the brightest evening planet. It can be seen for about 2 hours after sunset. Viewing Jupiter at such a low angle to the horizon will not be good because of Earth’s thick atmosphere. It appears lower in the western sky every evening. Jupiter looks like a bright, yellow-colored star.

Saturn can be seen rising in the eastern sky when morning twilight begins. Saturn can be seen passing between Cancer (the Crab) into Leo (the Lion). Saturn can be seen for about 2 hours at the beginning of September, but can be seen for about 4 hours by the end of the month. Saturn appears higher in the sky every morning before dawn breaks. Saturn looks like a bright amber-colored star.

Venus can be seen in the eastern sky before dawn passing from the constellation Leo (the Lion) into Virgo (the Maiden). Venus is visible for 75 minutes at the beginning of September, but only for 35 minutes by the end of the month. Venus appears lower and lower in the predawn sky throughout the month. Venus is the brightest planet in the September sky. Venus looks like a very bright white star.