The very best time to see Saturn is quickly approaching!
The very best view of the ringed world takes place when it gets in opposition– simply put, when the Earth is straight in between Saturn and the sun. This year, that’s over night in between Sept. 7 and Sept. 8.
You do not wish to miss this once-a-year chance to see Saturn at its most significant and brightest; after Sept. 8, 2024, you will not have the ability to see Saturn in opposition till Sept. 21, 2025. Here’s whatever you require to understand to identify Saturn at its peak size and brightness.
How to see Saturn
Seeing Saturn with the naked eye isn’t optimum since you will not have the ability to see its spectacular rings. (Without equipment, the world appears like an extremely brilliant star). The very best method to see Saturn is to utilize a yard telescope, or a strong set of stargazing field glasses, so you can see Saturn’s rings in sharp relief.
Due to the fact that Saturn is nearing opposition, it will remain in the opposite part of the sky as the setting Sun. On Sept. 7 and 8, Saturn will appear in the constellation Aquarius. You can utilize sky charts that are upgraded day-to-day to see Saturn’s existing position relative to Aquarius, or if you ‘d like a little bit more hands-on assist with discovering the ringed world, you can utilize apps like Stellarium to quickly find Saturn or other celestial items.
Related: The finest meteor showers of 2024 are yet to come. Here are the essential nights to expect.
When to see Saturn
Saturn will increase in between around 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. regional time on Sept. 7 and will set in between around 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. regional time on Sept. 8. Saturn will reach its acme in the sky around midnight regional time on Sept. 8. (You can utilize this tool from the U.S. Navy to inspect exact increase and set times in your specific place).
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Saturn will reach opposition when Saturn and the sun are placed straight opposite of each other in the sky; this will take place at 12:27 a.m. EDT on Sept. 8. When Saturn reaches opposition, it will appear bigger since it will be at its closest indicate Earth.
n the night of Sept. 7-8, the moon will be a waxing crescent (18% complete) and will set around 10 p.m. regional time, developing best observing conditions.
If you do not get the opportunity to observe the night sky on Sept. 7-8, do not fret! Saturn will still appear larger and brighter than normal in the week or two previously and after it reaches opposition, so there’s lots of time to see Saturn’s rings in all their splendor. From the start of September to Sept. 13, the moon will set before midnight, which indicates that you’ll have sufficient chance to see Saturn at or near opposition with moonlight-free skies.