This weekend, Saturn, the sixth planet in our solar system, will be at its largest and brightest. Here are some tips on how to locate it in the night sky and when it will be the best to see it.
Sky observers, gather! This weekend, Saturn, the enormous ringed planet, could make one of its greatest appearances in 2023. During this period, the sixth planet will be the brightest and best-positioned (as seen from Earth), which will be a treat for skywatchers’ eyes.
Saturn will be straight across from the Sun this weekend, with Earth in the midst. The gas giant will also be at its perigee, or closest point to Earth, according to NASA. This weekend, Saturn will be at its brightest and largest thanks to the interaction of these two astronomical occurrences.
It will be possible to see the planet until February 2024.
The following information will help you see Saturn at its finest and brightest in 2023:
When will Saturn’s largest and brightest phase occur?
On Sunday, August 27, you can get the finest glimpse of Saturn, according to Space.com. Around midnight on Sunday in North America, the planet will be at its highest point; however, the precise time of its appearance will be a few hours later, at around 4:20 am EDT (8:20 GMT or 1:50 pm IST).
Saturn will be its brightest for 2023 at magnitude 0.4 at the time of opposition. Lower magnitudes are associated with brighter objects; NASA estimates that the full moon has a magnitude of about -12.6. As a result, Saturn ought to be clearly visible with the unaided eye as a brilliant, steady orb in the sky.
How can I see Saturn when it is at its largest and brightest?
Although Saturn may be seen with the unaided eye on Sunday, binoculars will show more detail and highlight the planet’s light yellow hue. Some high-power binoculars may even be able to reveal weak signs of Saturn’s rings or even its largest moon, Titan, in the appropriate circumstances.
However, Saturn’s rings should be easily seen using a telescope. According to NASA, the rings of the gas giant are presently starting to tilt closer toward Earth and will do so through 2025. This weekend is the greatest opportunity to see one of the best night sky targets that is visible to the majority of backyard skywatchers.
How to locate Saturn in the night sky.
The ringed planet is currently visible in the northern sky, as seen from the northern hemisphere, within the constellation of Aquarius. To see Saturn clearly, a clean view of the southern horizon would be ideal.