Best chance to see Saturn’s rings in sky this week – don’t miss perfect viewing time or you’ll have to wait over a year
THE opportunity to see Saturn at its biggest and brightest is rapidly approaching – and astronomers say it will be the only chance of the year.
Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun, otherwise known as the largest in the solar system.
It boasts an impressive collection of 146 moons, each with their own characteristics.
But Saturn is perhaps best known for its signature rings, composed of billions of dust, ice, and rock fragments.
The luminous stellar body will appear at its biggest and brightest across the Northern Hemisphere in the coming days.
This is due to Saturn being in opposition – meaning Earth sits between it and the Sun.
Stargazers in the United States will experience peak viewing time between September 7 and September 8.
Saturn will be opposite the setting Sun, appearing in the constellation Aquarius.
It will rise between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time on September 7 and set between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. local time on September 8.
The gas giant will reach its highest peak in the sky around midnight on September 8.
Finally, it will reach opposition at 12:27 a.m. EDT on September 8, offering viewers the best glimpse of the year.
Once it reaches opposition, Saturn will be at its closest point to Earth and appear larger.
It’s best to prepare in advance – after September 8, Saturn won’t be in opposition until September 21, 2025.
Astronomers say conditions are shaping up to be ideal. The Moon will be a waxing crescent on the night of September 7 and set around 10 p.m. local time, offering enhanced clarity.
If you want to pinpoint Saturn’s exact position, you can use amateur stargazing apps like Night Sky or Stellarium, which show constellations in respect to your position.
Moreover, the U.S. Navy offers a tool with exact rise and set times in your location.
And the prime viewing experience isn’t limited to U.S. residents. The gas giant will also be visible in the United Kingdom around the same period.
Stargazers will be able to see Saturn from Sunday, September 8 to Tuesday, September 10 in the early morning.
Your best chance to see the gas planet is 01.15 BST while facing south.
Viewing Saturn with the naked eye isn’t recommended. Without gear, the planet appears as a bright light in the dark sky.
To see its rings, experts encourage using a backyard telescope or pair of stargazing binoculars.
It is advised to head to a dark place like an open field. City dwellers may not be able to spot the planet in all its glory due to light pollution.
In case you miss it, Saturn will still appear larger and brighter than usual in the week before and after it reaches opposition.
From the beginning of the month to September 13, the moon will set before midnight – providing enough dark cover to see the planet’s iconic rings.
The Sun's top tips for amateur stargazers
Here's an easy guide to get you started...
- Head up somewhere high
- Avoid light pollution
- Bring binoculars
- Wrap up warm and bring a snack
- Sit out in the dark for at least half an hour to let your eyes adjust
- A star spotter guide and a compass can help you find a particular constellation or star
- Alternatively, consider using an app like Night Sky on iPhone