Prepare, Saturn enthusiasts! This month, the ringed planet will present a spectacle as the Moon moves to obscure it when the night sky becomes darker.
Get ready for an exciting stargazing event this August as the planet Saturn makes its appearance in the night sky. Here's a guide to help you catch a glimpse of this celestial body and make the most of your observing experience.
Locating Saturn
On the evening of the 31st of August, Saturn will be visible in the south direction, located in or near the constellation of Aquarius. It will reach its peak altitude between midnight and early morning, providing an excellent opportunity for observation.
Visibility and Ring Orientation
Saturn shines around magnitude +0.3, making it bright enough for easy spotting in a telescope or good binoculars. However, its rings will be nearly edge-on, so while you will see the rings, their grandeur will be less visible than at other times.
Additional Observing Points
- Look for Titan's shadow transits and other moons like Iapetus around mid-August, offering additional observing interest.
- Neptune will be close to Saturn and may be visible in the same low-power telescope field, though Neptune is faint and requires binoculars or a telescope.
Best Equipment and Viewing Conditions
To observe Saturn in August 2024, we recommend using a 75mm scope or larger. For the best experience, observe on clear, dark nights away from city lights, around and after midnight when Saturn is highest in the sky. Use a telescope with moderate power to see the planetary disk and rings; a low to medium magnification will also allow you to spot some of its major moons.
(Note: While this guide is specifically for August 2024, the positions of planets in late summer are similar year to year with some differences. For exact viewing times and Saturn's ring tilt, please refer to stargazing resources closer to the date.)
Special Event: Saturn's Occultation
On the 21st of August 2024, Saturn will be occulted by a 97%-lit waning gibbous Moon. The reappearance of Saturn during the occultation will occur at 05:13 BST (04:13 UT), and the disappearance will occur at 04:28 BST (03:28 UT) as seen from the centre of the UK.
Fascinating Facts About Saturn
- Saturn's rings currently appear very thin due to their tilt.
- The thickness of Saturn's rings ranges from 10 meters to 1 kilometer.
- Saturn is getting higher in the sky, which should provide steadier views for imaging the planet.
Further Resources
For more detailed stargazing advice, consult our website's e-newsletter and Star Diary podcast. Happy stargazing!
- To enhance your stargazing experience in August, consider delving into the fascinating world of space-and-astronomy as you observe Saturn, using technology like telescopes and binoculars to spot its rings, major moons, and even Titan's shadow transits.
- On the 21st of August, prepare to witness a unique spectacle in space-and-astronomy: Saturn's occultation by a 97%-lit waning gibbous Moon. Mark your calendar for this special event and learn more about it through our website's e-newsletter and Star Diary podcast.
