September 2026 • Moon Special
Exploring the Moon our nearest neighbour in space.
September’s issue of Exploring The Night Sky turns our attention towards the Moon. Learn how to observe and photograph the lunar surface, revisit humanity’s journeys to the Moon, discover what’s happening in the September night sky and take your first steps into tracked astrophotography.
September Moon Feature
Observing the Moon
Explore the lunar surface with your eyes, binoculars or a telescope. Learn when to observe, where to look and why the terminator can reveal some of the Moon’s finest detail.
Read the observing guide →Beginner Astrophotography
How to Photograph the Moon
Start with a smartphone and progress to a camera, tripod or telescope. Learn how ISO, shutter speed, aperture, focus and stability affect your lunar photographs.
Read the photography guide →What’s Up?
The September Night Sky
September 2026
Discover this month’s comets, lunar occultations, planets, Moon phases, Neptune at opposition and the arrival of the autumn equinox.
Explore September’s sky →Lunar History
The Apollo Moon Missions
Follow humanity’s remarkable journey from the early Apollo programme to the first footsteps on another world and the scientific legacy left behind.
Explore the Apollo story →September Equipment Review
Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i
A hands-on review after several years of use. Learn about polar alignment, balancing, tracking, beginner mistakes and whether this portable star tracker is a good place to begin astrophotography.
Read the full review →From Our Observatory
Astrophotography Gallery
Browse photographs from our own observing sessions, including the Moon, lunar eclipses and deep-sky objects. The gallery will continue to grow as new images are added.
Visit the gallery →Start Here
What Is Astronomy?
Discover what astronomy is, what astronomers study and how exploring the night sky can open the door to understanding the Universe.
Discover astronomy →Beginner’s Guide
Beginner Astronomy Guide
Find straightforward introductions to telescopes, observing, astronomy equipment and the basic knowledge needed to begin exploring the night sky.
Open the astronomy guide →Getting Started
Beginner Stargazing Guide
Learn where and when to observe, how to protect your night vision and how to begin recognising stars, planets and constellations.
Start stargazing →