This is the month to view Saturn! On the 21st September, Saturn is at what is called “opposition” and means its closest to Earth for the year.

The image above is for about 7.30pm in the early evening of 8th September. This is a great night to locate Saturn in the night sky because you can use the Moon as a guide. By the time the 21st September comes around, you’ll know exactly where to look to locate Saturn when it’s at opposition. 

Use the above image as a guide. Astronomical images provided by SkySafari, a Simulation Curriculum Company, All rights reserved www.simulationcurriculum.com.

When and where to look:

7:30pm during September above the eastern horizon.

Something interesting

“Opposition” is a word that astronomers often use. A planet is said to be in “opposition” when it is on the opposite side of Earth to the Sun.

“Opposition” only occurs for planets that are further out from Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Mercury and Venus can never be in “opposition” because their orbits are closer to the Sun than Earth’s. Earth can never be in between these planets and the Sun!

Want More Stargazing Tips?

There’s always something interesting happening in the night sky and country WA is the best place to catch all the action!