Stargazers, Get Ready!

Hold onto your telescopes! Tonight, July 15, the moon will unveil a breathtaking spectacle as it rises close to the magnificent Saturn and the elusive Neptune in the eastern sky.

A Stunning Alignment in Pisces

As the clock nears midnight, Saturn will make its grand appearance above the eastern horizon, nestled under the glittering stars of the Pisces constellation. Look closely, and you’ll spot the waxing gibbous moon shimmering just three degrees to its upper right—a distance easily measured by holding out your little finger!

Neptune: The Dimly Glowing Ice Giant

But that’s not all! Also lurking near Saturn is Neptune, positioned roughly one degree to its upper left. This ice giant, with a faint brightness of +7.8, will likely remain invisible to the naked eye. Remember, astronomers use a magnitude scale to gauge how bright these celestial bodies shine in our night sky—the lower the number, the brighter the object. Unfortunately, Neptune’s dim light makes it a challenge to spot without binoculars.

Binoculars Are Your Best Bet!

For the best viewing experience, grab a pair of 10x50 binoculars, which will reveal all three cosmic wonders within your field of view. But don’t get your hopes too high for Neptune—it may appear as just a faint blue dot against the moon's captivating glare.

See Saturn's Rings Up Close!

If you have a telescope, even better! A 6-inch aperture telescope will showcase Saturn’s stunning rings, while an 8-inch scope may even reveal the vibrant colors swirling on its gas surface. Additionally, explore the illuminated features of the moon, including Mare Frigolis, a vast basalt plain that stretches across the northern lunar terrain.

Catch the Show Before Dawn!

This cosmic trio will fantastically align for the night. However, don’t miss your chance to glimpse them before they fade from view in the southern sky as dawn breaks on July 16. Mark your calendars and prepare for a night of celestial wonders!