Constellations For September: Here’s What Is Visible and Bright

No matter whether you’re an amateur astronomer, student, or person with a curious mind, you may be wondering which constellations may be visible and bright come September?

Continue reading to discover more about which constellations are visible in September, how these constellations may appear, their myths, locations and more.

Constellations For September: Summary

Capricornus, Delphinus, Equuleus, Microscopium, Cygnus, and Vulpecula are the constellations best viewed in September. Northern constellations include Delphinus, Vulpecula, and Cygnus, while southern constellations include Capricornus and Indus. Cygnus represents the Swan and is considered the northernmost and easiest to see of the September constellations because it is dominated by the Northern Cross, a massive cross-shaped asterism.

Capricornus

The sea goat constellation Capricornus may be seen in the northern hemisphere in early fall months like September, between 60 degrees and -90 degrees latitude. Capricornus is a medium-sized constellation, taking up 414 square degrees of sky and ranking 40th out of 88 constellations in the night sky in terms of size.

It’s also one of the zodiac’s 13 constellations, which means it’s located along the path the Sun takes across the sky during the year. Capricornus, whose name means “goat” in Latin, is shown as a goat with a fishtail. Since Babylonian and Sumerian times, this ancient constellation has been known.

The Sumerians recognized it as the goatfish, which heralded the winter solstice during the early Bronze Age. However, the ancient Greeks connected the constellation with Amalthea, the goat that suckled Zeus from his mother, Rhea, and protected him from his father, Cronos. Capricornus was also linked to Pan, the goat-headed deity who rescued himself from the demon Typhon by sprouting a fishtail and plunging into a river.

Delphinus

The dolphin constellation, Delphinus, is visible from the Northern Hemisphere in late summer and may be viewed at latitudes between 90 and -70 degrees. Delphinus is a minor constellation, covering just 189 square degrees and ranking 69th of the 88 constellations in the night sky in terms of size.

This constellation also has a striking resemblance to a dolphin jumping from the ocean and is simple to spot in the sky because of its form.

Delphinus is a well-known constellation that has been linked to many ancient cultures. It was thought to depict a dolphin in Greek mythology who assisted Poseidon in finding the mermaid Amphitrite, whom he desired to marry. Poseidon rewarded the dolphin by placing him amid the stars. 

Equuleus

The constellation Equuleus, or the tiny horse, rises shortly before Pegasus in mid-September and may be seen at latitudes between 90 and -80 degrees in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Equuleus is the second smallest constellation in the night sky, having a surface area of approximately 72 square degrees.

Equuleus is an ancient constellation with roots in a variety of cultures. In Greek mythology, however, it represents Cerleris, Pegasus’ brother, who was handed to Castor by Mercury. In another version, however, it was Cyllarus who was delivered to Pollux by Juno.

Microscopium

Microscopium, or the microscope, is a constellation in the southern hemisphere of the sky that may be seen between July and September in latitudes south of 45 degrees. Microscopium is a little constellation comprising just 210 square degrees of sky, placing it 66th of the 88 constellations in the night sky in terms of size.

Microscopium, on the other hand, has no mythology attached to it and was called by Abbé Nicolas Louis de Lacaille to commemorate the development of the microscope. After a voyage to the Cape of Good Hope to explore the southern night sky, Lacaille named numerous constellations after scientific tools. Microscopium is one of them and was named after a type of early compound microscope used in the 18th century.

Cygnus

Between June and October, the swan constellation Cygnus may be seen in the northern hemisphere between latitudes of 90 degrees and -40 degrees. Cygnus is a prominent constellation that covers 804 square degrees of sky, making it the night sky’s 16th largest constellation.

This constellation’s stars create a giant cross, sometimes called the Northern Cross. Cygnus’ brightest star, Deneb, forms a large triangle with two other stars, Aquila’s Altair, and Lyra’s Vega, known as the Summer Triangle. The Summer Triangle is a conspicuous constellation of brilliant stars.

This constellation has a variety of legendary sources. According to one legend, the Swan is the musician Orpheus, who Achilles killed during the battle of Troy. After his death, he was buried with his harp, Lyra, among the stars. The Swan was the Queen Cassiopeia’s pet in another myth. In a different storey, however, the deity Zeus disguised himself as a swan in order to seduce the Spartan Queen Leda. 

Vulpecula

The fox constellation, Vulpecula, is best visible between latitudes of 90 degrees and -55 degrees in the northern hemisphere of the sky during the month of September. Vulpecula is a tiny constellation that takes about 268 square degrees in the sky, making it the 55th largest of the 88 constellations visible at night.

The brilliant stars Deneb in Cygnus, Vega in Lyra, and Altair in Aquila form the Summer Triangle, a triangle asterism with Vulpecula in the centre.

Vulpecula, whose name means “small fox” in Latin, has no stories linked with it. Vulpecula was first dubbed Vulpecula Cum Ansere, or “the small fox with the goose,” by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in the late 17th century. Later, however, the stars were split into two constellations, Anser and Vulpecula, before being recombined under the name Vulpecula. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, since the Northern Cross dominates it, Cygnus is regarded as the northernmost and easiest to view of the September constellations. However, in September, the constellations Capricornus, Delphinus, Equuleus, Microscopium, Cygnus, and Vulpecula are the finest to see. Delphinus, Vulpecula, and Cygnus are all visible from the north during this month, whereas Capricornus and Indus can be found in the South.

Whether you’re an amateur astronomer, a student, or just someone with a curious mind, don’t miss your chance to see constellations you would otherwise miss for the rest of the year this September.

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