Why this is a good time to spot Saturn
- Published
Calling all skygazing fans, there's a real treat in store later this week.
Autumn may be drawing in and the days getting shorter - but there's plenty going on in the night sky.
Experts say that now is the best time to look up if you want to see a bigger and brighter view of Saturn and its rings.
That's because it's about to be at its closest point to Earth this year, as it reaches something know as its opposition.
Keep reading to find out more about this special event and learn some cool facts about Saturn too.
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What is the Saturn Opposition?
On 21 September, Saturn will reach something called opposition, which is when the Earth ends up directly between the Sun and another planet.
Because Saturn will be located directly opposite the Sun, it will be fully illuminated and therefore easier to spot.
The planet is also at its closest point to Earth, even though it can still be millions of miles away
As a result, Saturn will appear bigger and brighter in the sky than usual.
This event takes place every year and is a great chance to catch a glimpse of the gas giant, as Saturn will be at its closest to Earth all year.
Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, but a telescope will be needed for those wanting to see its famous rings.
Five top facts about Saturn
Saturn is the second biggest planet in our solar system. It is made up of different gases and has the most moons of any planet in the Milky Way.
Even though it is a gas giant, it is also the lightest planet by density. Saturn is so light that it would float in water, if there was an ocean big enough.
Its most interesting feature is the series of rings that surround the planet. The rings aren't solid, but are made up of lots of little pieces of rock and ice that orbit Saturn.
A day on Saturn is very short at just under 11 Earth hours, but because it is so far from the Sun, 1 year is equal to almost 30 years on Earth!
Saturn is also very cold because of its distance from the Sun - around -140°C. In addition, the planet also experiences high winds which can reach speeds of 500 meters per second in its upper atmosphere.