Don’t miss Saturn at its brightest on September 7 and 8: here’s how to see it

Saturn will reach opposition on the night of September 7-8, marking a significant astronomical event. During the event, Earth will be directly between Saturn and the Sun. This alignment will cause Saturn to appear at its largest and brightest in the night sky. This is the ideal time for those who want to observe Saturn in all its glory, as Saturn will not be visible at opposition again until September 21, 2025.

Best viewing times and locations

A telescope or powerful binoculars are essential to view Saturn effectively, as the rings are not visible to the naked eye. Saturn rises around 6:00 p.m. local time on September 7, and sets between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. the following day.

The planet will reach its peak in the sky around midnight local time. It will be located in the constellation Aquarius. Using updated sky maps or apps like Stellarium, Saturn’s position can be determined more accurately.

What to expect

At opposition, Saturn will be closest to Earth, making its rings more visible and giving the planet a brighter appearance. This phenomenon is known as the Seeliger effect, named after German astronomer Hugo Seeliger, who first described it. The effect occurs because sunlight directly illuminates Saturn and its rings, increasing their brightness.

The moon, a waxing crescent at 18 percent full, will set around 10 p.m. local time on September 7, meaning your observations will not be disrupted by moonlight.

When to observe

If September 7-8 doesn’t offer clear skies, you can still see Saturn at its near opposition. The ringed planet will remain prominently visible from early September until around September 13, when the moon sets before midnight, providing ample opportunity for stargazing. Seize this opportunity to see Saturn at its best.