Brilliant Venus steals the show this week as it pairs beautifully with a delicate waxing crescent moon low in the west-southwest after sunset. Although a daytime lunar occultation of Venus will be visible from parts of North America, everyone with a clear western horizon can enjoy one of the month’s finest twilight scenes. Later in the week, the moon glides past supergiant star Antares before reaching first quarter, making this an excellent time to enjoy both evening moonlight and the lingering stars of (very) late summer. Here’s everything you need to know about stargazing and the night sky from Monday, Sept. 14 through Sunday, Sept. 20.

Monday, Sept. 14: Moon And Venus Look low in the west-southwest about 30 minutes after sunset to see the 16%-lit waxing crescent moon shining close to brilliant Venus, now 29%-lit in its own crescent phase. This twilight pairing is the highlight of the week for most skywatchers.

Tuesday, Sept. 15: Venus After Sunset Venus continues to dominate the western twilight as it slowly sinks toward the horizon each evening. This is one of your last weeks to enjoy the dazzling “Evening Star” before it slips deeper into the sun’s glare. A 16%-lit waxing crescent moon will hang nearby, above the south-west.

Wednesday, Sept. 16: Crescent Moon Meets Antares The now 32%-lit waxing crescent moon climbs higher into the evening sky, hanging above the south-west close to Antares, the reddish and brightest star in the constellation Scorpius.

Thursday, Sept. 17: Moon Meets Antares The now 42%-lit waxing crescent moon still hangs close to Antares, but on the other side. Watch the pair low in the south-southwest after dusk before they set together.

If you’ve been following Venus throughout 2026, don’t miss it this week. The planet has been the dominant “Evening Star” since the start of the year, but it’s now edging closer to the sun from our perspective and will gradually become harder to spot during the weeks ahead. A clear, unobstructed west-southwestern horizon will make all the difference. You’ll miss it when it’s gone!

Constellation of the Week: Pegasus

The Great Square of Pegasus is one of the most recognizable sights in the autumn night sky. Four stars form a huge, almost perfect square rising in the east after sunset, making it one of the easiest large asterisms to identify with the naked eye. Various stars around its edge help trace out a not-particularly-convincing horse, but it’s the Great Square that sticks. Once you’ve found it, the Great Square becomes a reliable starting point for locating neighboring constellations including Andromeda, Pisces and Aquarius. Think of it as a map grid appearing overhead. Once it’s in place, navigating the night sky suddenly becomes a little bit easier.

Stargazing Tip of the Week: Observe The Moon At First Quarter

Many people assume the full moon is the best time to view our natural satellite through a telescope, but the opposite is true. Around first quarter — which occurs this week, on Friday, Sept. 17 — the low angle of sunlight casts long shadows across the lunar landscape, revealing craters, mountain ranges and ridges in spectacular detail. It’s a great night to dust off binoculars or a telescope.

The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information, consult online planetariums like Stellarium . Check my main feed for more in-depth articles on stargazing, astronomy, eclipses and more.