A near full moon will glide closely past Saturn this week, creating a striking conjunction in the night sky. On September 8, 2025, observers looking east-southeast from locations such as London will witness this cosmic event at approximately 22:00. The moon, illuminated at over 98%, is transitioning into its waning gibbous phase after being just past full.
As the moon rises, it will shine brilliantly compared to Saturn, which will appear as a yellowish point of light. The conjunction will become visible shortly after sunset, positioned low on the eastern horizon. As darkness envelops the sky, both celestial bodies will ascend, revealing the stars around them. By mid-evening, this duo can serve as a guide for stargazers to trace the outline of the zodiac constellation of Pisces.
Pisces, while comprising a surprisingly large area of the sky, features stars that are generally faint, making it less conspicuous. The constellation is steeped in Greek mythology, where it is associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and her son Eros. According to the myth, the duo transformed into fish to escape danger, swimming through Earth’s oceans and spreading love and compassion.
This spectacular conjunction will be visible not only from London but also from the southern hemisphere, allowing a broader audience to appreciate this celestial phenomenon. Stargazers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to witness the beauty of the universe and perhaps reflect on the stories that the stars have inspired throughout history.
