This weekend will be the best chance of the year to see Saturn when the ringed planet reaches opposition.
Opposition occurs when the planet is almost directly opposite the Sun from Earth. At this position, Saturn is closest to Earth during the year, making it appear brighter than usual.
This also means that the planet will be visible all night, rising during sunset and setting during sunrise.
Although the opposition itself will last only one night, September 21, Saturn's radiance won't fade quickly. The planet will continue to shine for several more weeks, so any clear evening before the end of the month will be a good time to observe.
Saturn will be easy to see with the naked eye: it will appear in the southeastern sky after dark and slowly drift southwest as the night progresses. But the view will be even better with a telescope, which will allow you to spot Saturn's distinctive rings and its largest moon, Titan.
Saturn's opposition will be the last astronomical event of the summer, and the change of seasons will occur with the equinox on September 22.
Sourse: www.upi.com
