Since August, the ringed planet will be in opposition and shining right next to Jupiter. How and when to see it in the summer sky.
Saturn is the sixth planet in the solar system in order of distance from the Sun and the second most massive planet after Jupiter. It is characterized by an extensive and conspicuous system of rings, which contain silicate dust and ice particles. The number of moons orbiting the planet, composed of 95% hydrogen and 3% helium, is exorbitant: there are 82 known satellites – on one of which, among other things, there may be life – giving Saturn a record among the planets of the Solar System.
This information could be of interest in August more than at any other time of the year, when Saturn will be most visible from Earth even to the naked eye.
When Saturn will be visible from Earth
In particular, August 1 and 2 will see Saturn in opposition to Earth. What does this mean? Simply put, Earth will be between the ringed planet and the Sun. The arrangement of the stars will make the outer planet bright, making it light up like a light bulb in the night sky. Abandon all hope of observing the characteristic rings, though: for that you need to be equipped with a telescope. And be careful not to get confused with Jupiter, which is more prominent and brighter than usual. Jupiter’s opposition is scheduled for August 20.
How to find Saturn in the summer sky
You first need to look for Jupiter, the brightest stellar object in the evening sky once Venus has dropped below the horizon after sunset. Saturn is close to Jupiter and is located along the ecliptic of the sun: in short, it is the bright golden “star” a short distance from Jupiter. to the west.
Saturn is located in the direction of the constellation Capricorn and can be found there for the rest of 2021. The Moon – either full or nearly full – can also help the search for Saturn and Jupiter. In fact, both Jupiter and Saturn are close to the opposition, as well as the full Moon, which is full precisely because it is opposed to the Sun.
The show will be observable from most of the Earth and not only in August: the conjunction will continue throughout September and then in October, November, until December 2021.
Rings aside, Saturn does not stop fascinating astronomers: towards the planet is in fact directed the largest comet ever observed.
Giuseppe Giordano