AN September 2026

Closer to home, we ask what Britain stands to lose if Jodrell Bank’s e-MERLIN radio telescope network falls silent, and talk to the new President of the Royal Astronomical Society about the opportunities and challenges facing UK astronomy.

Elsewhere, we venture into the Galaxy in search of rogue planets, mysterious worlds that wander through space without a star and may even outnumber the stars themselves. We also rediscover the forgotten constellations that once populated the night sky, and ask what the latest evidence can tell us about one of astronomy’s oldest mysteries: how the Moon was born.

For observers, September brings some of the finest deep-sky sights of late summer, while our Night Sky section provides everything you need to make the most of the month ahead. We also explore how apps can help you understand observing conditions and explain why day and night are not actually equal on the equinox.

Plus, we put the Starquest DX127MC Maksutov-Cassegrain through its paces to find out whether it makes a capable first telescope, alongside our regular coverage of astronomy news, equipment, imaging, books and the observing community.

Order your copy of the September 2026 issue of Astronomy Now today.