NASA has released a striking image showing two galaxies merging at an intense pace in the II Zw 096 system. The composite image was released on August 25, 2026, and combines data from multiple telescopes including the Chandra X-ray Observatory, Hubble Space Telescope, and James Webb Space Telescope. X-ray data highlights powerful black hole activity and hot gas, while optical and infrared images reveal vast regions of star formation hidden by dust. These systems like II Zw 096 help scientists understand how galaxy collisions shaped the early universe. NASA says II Zw 096 is about 490 million light-years from Earth and the image covers a region about 210,000 light-years across. The Chandra X-ray observations included in the image were made on September 10, 2007.
In addition to the galaxy images, Space.com also shared new details about a supernova visible in the night sky. The supernova, named SN 2026aaiv, was first spotted by the ATLAS survey on September 1, 2026. Astrophotographers including Andrew McCarthy and Tom Masterson have documented it using both professional and amateur equipment. Although relatively dim, the supernova is still brightening and can be seen with a large telescope or smart telescope setup. SN 2026aaiv is a Type Ia supernova in a galaxy about 45 million light-years from Earth.
It lies within the galaxy NGC 7331, which was first catalogued by William Herschel in 1784. NGC 7331 is similar in size and mass to the Milky Way and can be located near the Great Square of Pegasus. Observers in the Northern Hemisphere should look east after dark to find it in the constellation Pegasus. Another Type Ia supernova called SN 2025rbs was discovered in the same galaxy in July 2025.
Another celestial event visible this month is zodiacal light, which appears as a faint glow rising from the eastern horizon before dawn, according to a report from Space.com. This phenomenon occurs when sunlight reflects off dust particles in the inner solar system along the ecliptic plane. September is especially good for viewing zodiacal light due to a new moon on September 10-11. To see it, observers need an unobstructed eastern horizon and minimal light pollution. Space.com said a roughly two-week viewing window for observers in northern latitudes opened on Sept. 9.
Photographers often capture zodiacal light before the human eye can clearly distinguish it. The best approach involves using a wide-angle lens and shooting in RAW format with manual focus.
September also offers opportunities to view the constellation Orion before sunrise, which is typically seen in winter skies. This makes it a great time for stargazers to preview the upcoming winter constellations. Orion is visible in the eastern sky before dawn during September and becomes better placed as the month progresses.
NASA continues to provide updates on these space events and encourages public participation in astronomical observation.