Saturn is back. The sixth planet from the sun and the second largest in the solar system tops most amateur astronomers’ wish lists. In July, it rises just before midnight and is high in the south before sunrise, but there are two nights this month when the waning gibbous moon visits the so-called “ringed planet.”
Find a good view low toward the eastern horizon and be there around 11:00 AM EST on Tuesday, July 23. You will see a 90% illuminated Moon slightly higher in the sky and to the right of the Moon. SaturnIf you want to see the moonrise, you should get there about 30 minutes early.
The following evening, on Wednesday, July 24, the two worlds will appear close together again. This time, the Moon will be 81% illuminated in the sky, to the left of Saturn. The Moon will rise around 11:00 p.m. EST (although check the exact time). moonrise Where are you).
On both occasions, Saturn and the moon It will be visible on the background. stars The follower AquariusFrom North America, the two will appear about 10 degrees apart.
However, those living in parts of Asia and Africa will Look at the moon Moving across Saturn to hide it for a few hours, according to in the skyResidents of eastern Africa, Madagascar, southern and eastern India, northwestern Indonesia, most of southeast Asia, China and Mongolia will see Saturn disappear behind the moon for a few hours.
This occultation and conjunction are, of course, an illusion of line of sight. The Moon is on average about 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers) away from Earth. Landaccording to NASASaturn is about 832 million miles (1,340 million kilometers) away from us on these particular days. These celestial events occur only from Earth’s perspective.
RelatedNight Sky, July 2024: What to See Tonight [maps]
Another result of our changing perspective on Solar System This is how much of Saturn we can see right now. Saturn is now almost fully illuminated as it approaches its annual opposition on September 8, when Earth is between the sun And Saturn. In this case, Saturn will appear at its largest, brightest and best, although any time this summer is an ideal time to observe it.
However, the naked eye or a pair of binoculars will not be enough to see Saturn’s rings. To see them, you will need a telescope, even a small 2-inch/50mm refracting telescope will be enough to see its ring pattern.
If you want to get a closer look at the night sky planets, take a look at our guides on best telescopes And best binoculars.
And if you want to photograph the Moon and Saturn’s approach up close, we have some tips for you. How to photograph planetsas well as evidence to Best Cameras for Astrophotography And Best Lenses for Astrophotography.
Editor’s Note: If you capture a photo of the close approach between the moon and Saturn and would like to share it with Space.com readers, send your photos, comments, name and location to [email protected].
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