Saturn is the planet with the rings, right? But for the past couple of years, the planet has been a disappointment to those with small telescopes hoping for a spectacular view. The planet has not put on its usual display because the rings have been almost edge-on to Earth. It’s been an unusual sight, but lacking in drama. But now they are back, and the planet is higher in the sky from the UK than it has been since 2010.
Saturn now rises in the late evening, and can be seen as a bright star over in the east after about 10 pm. It’s the only bright object (other than the Moon, which passes above it in the sky on 30 August) in that part of the sky. By midnight it’s easily visible in the south-east. And even a small telescope will reveal its lovely rings.
The planet reaches its closest point to Earth for the year on Sunday 4 October, when it’s exactly opposite the Sun in the sky. Saturn enthusiasts make a point of viewing it on that date, because its rings appear significantly brighter on that date. This is because the icy particles that make up its rings behave rather like cat’s eyes or reflective road studs, and reflect the Sun’s light more strongly towards us as we view with the Sun behind us.
So get that telescope out and welcome back an old friend – or if you haven’t done so before, take a look if you can. It’s one of the most amazing sights in the sky. To find astronomy groups that are holding observing sessions over the coming months, visit the website of our friends at GoStargazing.