BBC Sky at Night

Highlights of the antumn skies

As September approaches, astronomers leave the long, hazy days and short, bright nights of summer behind and welcome the return of dark skies. The longer, darker nights allow us to view some of the most loved and prized night-sky objects that return each autumn.

And there's a lot to look forward to this season, whether you're using your naked eye, binoculars or a telescope. This guide will help you find some fascinating objects, either from your garden or from a dark-sky site away from light pollution, whether you're an absolute beginner or a more well-seasoned astronomer. Remember to wrap up warm and grab a red torch to follow this guide as you head out into the dark. Downloading a stargazing app will help you find your way around the targets we highlight too.

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