Highlights of the autumn skies

Planetary physicist Dr Sheila Kanani on why now is the time to spot shooting stars and a sunlit Saturn

◀ Tuesday 2 The Lunar X and V clair-obscur effects can be seen on this evening’s Moon. Your best view will be around 23:41 BST (22:41 UT). Thursday 4 This morning, Titan’s shadow transits Saturn’s glo

BEST TIME TO SEE: 7 September 2025, from moonrise around 19:45 BST (18:45 UT) Remember the total lunar eclipse back in March? Unfortunately, for many observers across the UK, the weather wasn’t good,

Best time to see: 21 September, 01:00 BST (00:00 UT) Altitude: 35° Location: Pisces Direction: South Features: Rings, subtle atmospheric features, moons Recommended equipment: 150mm or larger Saturn r

Autumn is a wonderful time of year. Birds are on the move in their masses. It is exciting. And just about anything can turn up. Here are five birds which may look to be dressed in the dulled browns of autumn, but are all special, even thrilling to watch.

1 Sep 00:00 AEST (31 Aug, 14:00 UT) 15 Sep 23:00 AEST (13:00 UT) 30 Sep 22:00 AEST (12:00 UT) The chart accurately matches the sky on the dates and times shown for Sydney, Australia. The sky is differ