Know the September Night Sky as Well as You Know the Trail

Backpackers should peel away from the evening campfire and glance skyward.  The sky is relatively quiet this month.  There are a couple of planets visible at sunset, but many are too close to the sun's light to see.  The greatest meteor shower of the year ended last month.

That doesn't mean the universe has suddenly become boring.  The moon's sunny surface continues to change as it swings around earth.  Meteors still streak across the night sky.  We can still see approximately 6,000 stars on a moonless night.

There is much to appreciate.  Enjoy September's night sky with a light jacket.  Soon, the winter stars will show themselves.