One of this year’s must-see stargazing events is underway, giving us an amazing look at one of the outer planets of our solar system.
Once a year, Earth passes between the sun and Saturn, which brings the famous ringed planet opposite the sun into our sky — an alignment astronomers call “opposition,” which in 2023 will happen overnight on Aug. 26-27, according to Astronomy.com. location EarthSky.
The opposition is the time during the year when Saturn is at its closest point to Earth and shines brightest, making this weekend and the following days an exceptional time for viewing this impressive planet. You don’t need special equipment to see Saturn’s glow in the night sky, but a telescope of any size can dramatically change the experience by revealing its amazing rings.
To the naked eye, Saturn will be visible in the night sky as a faint, bright golden point of light. Its shine will be constant, not shimmer.
However, the telescope will show Saturn’s rings, which is an amazing sight. A small backyard telescope is enough to see Saturn’s distinctive ring shape, although larger telescopes can provide more surprising views, so check with local astronomy groups and planetariums for public stargazing events.
Look for Saturn rising in the east at sunset; It will be visible all night. It will reach exact opposition at 4 a.m. ET on August 27, when it’s in the constellation of Aquarius, the Water Bearer. If the weather isn’t cooperating to watch this weekend, don’t worry; While its brightness will wane, Saturn will be visible in the evening sky for the rest of the year.
For more visit EarthSky.org.
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