Saturn will reach its closest point to Earth early Monday morning. Here’s how to see it

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The ringed planet Saturn, which is already one of the most dazzling sights in the solar system, will shine brighter and larger this month. On Monday, August 2, at about 1 am, the planet will reach alignment with the Earth and the Sun in an event known as “opposition.” During this event, the sixth planet will reach its closest point to Earth and will shine in its brightest form.

This writer’s suggestion: Play this Texas-appropriate tune as you read. There really is no better way to enjoy an amazing view of the planet.

When is Saturn at its best?

Saturn will be at its peak brightness from August 1 to August 4. Saturn will reach the sun on August 2 and will glow brightly like the similarly yellow star Capella at +0.1 magnitude, according to Space.com. Saturn will reach its brightest point around 2 a.m. EDT (1 a.m. local time) early Monday morning. Don’t want to get up at 1 am on a Monday? We don’t blame you. If you missed the ringed planet at its brightest, don’t worry – it will be shining in the night sky throughout August.

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“Don’t worry about the exact times too much. Just know that – in early August 2021 – Saturn is generally opposite the Sun in Earth’s sky,” EarthSky.org reported. “At opposition, Saturn rises in the east at sunset, ascends highest during the night at about midnight and sets in the west at sunrise. When Saturn is facing the sun, it is visible all night and at the brightest seen from Earth.”

How can you see Saturn in opposition?

First, it is important to note that although Saturn will be in opposition, it will still be difficult to distinguish from other celestial bodies in the night sky. A good pair of binoculars or telescope will save you from squinting.

In-the-sky.org reports that “even when it is at its closest point to Earth, it is indistinguishable as little more than a star-like point of light without the aid of a telescope.”

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Second, yes, as one famous Texas tune claims that the stars (and planets) at night are big and bright and the prairie sky wide and high, deep in the heart of Texas. But in Houston and other major cities in the state? not much. Ironically, here in Space City, the superior celestial vistas of the Solar System are far from us, and the famous Texas stars at night remain hidden behind some serious light pollution. Those who want to choose Saturn in the night sky choose the farthest planet in the night sky may need to drive good roads away from as many bright city lights as possible. We suggest, for city folks, grab a good pair of binoculars or a telescope and drive somewhere a little darker than downtown Houston.

How do you find Saturn in the night sky?

Earthsky.org recommends first looking for Jupiter, the brightest celestial body in the evening sky once Venus sinks below the western horizon after sunset. Saturn is not far from Jupiter and is located on the same path that the Sun travels during the day. Saturn is a shiny golden star-like object west of Jupiter. Saturn is located in the direction of the constellation Capricorn and can be found throughout the year.

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When will the other planets be in opposition in 2021?

Jupiter will reach opposition to the Sun on August 20.

Uranus will reach opposition to the Sun on November 4.

Neptune will reach the Sun’s opposition on September 14th.

Where to watch the stars in and around the Houston area:

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, get some fresh air and enjoy some of the superior celestial vistas of the solar system but don’t have enough energy (or days off) for a trip to the middle of nowhere? Here are 4 areas in the Houston area that offer dark skies, relatively dark skies, or a really large telescope that is perfect for stargazing in an area that is less than ideal for training in general.

more:

These are the stellar Texas observatories you need to check out

Take your family on stargazing this summer at the newly renovated George Observatory in Brazos Bend State Park

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Oh, my stars! These 6 Texas State Parks Offer Stargazing

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Do not be surprised. Before you head out, learn about adjusted opening hours and follow the guidelines on social distancing and other COVID-19 safety measures required by the destinations you’re visiting.

Copyright 2021 by KPRC Click2Houston – All Rights Reserved.

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