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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."

2 of 23 comments (clear)

  1. Galileo by BallPeenHammer · · Score: 5, Interesting
    Galileo first discovered the rings of Saturn during an opposition, too. (Opposition being the term for when Saturn is on the OPPOSITE side of the sky from the sun, therefore, the sun is shining directly on Saturn and Earth is also closest to Saturn.) It was in July of 1610 that he turned his telescope on that planet.

    As he wrote, "I discovered another very strange wonder, which I should like to make known to their Highnesses [the Medici]. . . , keeping it secret, however, until the time when my work is published . . . . the star of Saturn is not a single star, but is a composite of three, which almost touch each other, never change or move relative to each other, and are arranged in a row along the zodiac, the middle one being three times larger than the lateral ones, and they are situated in this form: oOo. " (http://es.rice.edu/ES/humsoc/Galileo/Things/satur n.html)

    Even geniuses and famous discoverers make mistakes.

    --
    The Law of Falling Bodies
  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!