Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Planet Saturn Closest In 30 Years

Posted by michael on from the sprinkled-moondust-in-your-hair dept.

maliabu writes "Saturn will be coming to opposition (opposite the Sun in relation to Earth) on New Year's Eve. More details here. And of course a dedicated website Celestron Saturn Opposition 2003 too."

6 of 23 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Galileo by barakn · · Score: 4, Informative

    "Earth is also closest to Saturn" merely means that they are on the same side of the sun rather than on opposite sides. Discussing the elliptical nature of the orbits takes the discussion to a whole new unnecessary level, especially considering that Saturn's and Earth's orbits are not very elliptical.

    --
    "I'm so moist I'm sticking to the leather." -Kermit the Frog on The Late Late Show
  2. excellent viewing opportunity by OneOver137 · · Score: 5, Informative
    If you have a scope or know someone who does, get out and take a peek. Not only is Saturn at a favorable opposition (i.e, it's close to Earth), but the rings are steeply tilted, making for spectacular views. Just about any scope will show the ring system and a few moons, especially Titan. Saturn's features aren't as contrasty as those on Mars, so be patient at the eyepiece and you will see detail. Here's a few things to look for:

    • Cassini's Division
    • South Polar Hood
    • Shadow of planet on ring system
    • South Equatorial belts and zones
    • Enke Division (need a big scope)
    • Crepe ring (need a big scope)

    Most of these things can be seen with amateur scopes with at least 4" (102mm) aperture. Remember though that the atmosphere will cause the image to blur, so keep checking back on different nights if seeing is bad. Take a look at the Clear Sky Clock for your area. Happy viewing!
  3. For those of you in the SF Bay Area by boredman · · Score: 2, Informative

    Check out the Foothill College Observatory on Friday nights. If they're not doing it already, I'm sure they'll be observing Saturn as the opposition approaches. It's always fun, and always informative.

    I had a chance to check out Saturn recently. This opposition will be quite good, indeed!

  4. Saturnalia...? by ninejaguar · · Score: 2, Informative
    Coincidentally, this event is happening during the same time of year as Saturnalia. If you're unfamiliar with the term, some people refer to the holiday as Christmas.

    = 9J =

  5. Re:Why aren't we... by stendec · · Score: 3, Informative
    You're absolutely right. It's shocking and appalling that such an obvious treasure trove of scientific insight is not being visited by any instrument of human design whatsoever.

    Oh.

    Except for this bucket of bolts.

  6. Re:Galileo by barakn · · Score: 2, Informative
    Comet Halley
    perihelion: 0.5871 AU
    aphelion: 35.25 AU

    So, as I was saying, Earth's and Saturn's orbits aren't that elliptical.

    I can draw you a picture if youd like.

    Please don't. I teach astronomy at a university. You're trying to explain some very complicated issues to an audience that was still trying to sort out the basics: whether an opposition is when the Earth is opposite the Sun from Saturn or when the Sun is opposite the Earth from Saturn. When the original poster said "Earth is also closest to Saturn," I assume he/she was merely trying to differentiate between the two aforementioned cases. But yes, saying "close" would have been more accurate than "closest". You yourself haven't mentioned all of the relevant factors, including tugs from other planets, especially mighty Jove, and Saturn's orbital inclination 2.49 degrees from the ecliptic. Exactly how were you going to include those in your picture?

    --
    "I'm so moist I'm sticking to the leather." -Kermit the Frog on The Late Late Show