An Astronomical Week Awaits!

Get ready for a celestial adventure! This week, the moon will serve as your trusty guide to locating Saturn, the majestic sixth planet of our solar system. Right now, Saturn graces the constellation Pisces, gradually increasing in brightness as Earth moves closer in its orbit.

Mark Your Calendars: A Close Encounter!

Circle September 21 on your calendar! That’s when the closest approach between Earth and Saturn will take place. But why wait? The moon is here to help you discover Saturn now and watch it as it elegantly dances across the night sky.

The Magic of Retrograde Motion!

As Earth advances in its orbit, Saturn will appear to perform a lazy pirouette known as retrograde motion—a fascinating optical illusion that you won’t want to miss. This motion occurs as our perspective changes when Earth overtakes Saturn.

When and Where to Look?

For those in London on July 16, grab your telescopes at midnight BST! The moon, almost 20 days old and in its waning gibbous phase, will rise later each night, shining with over 72% illumination. At 373,842 km away from us, it will guide you to the distant Saturn, which is a staggering 1,368 million km away.

A Skywatcher’s Delight!

If you’re in the southern hemisphere, brace yourself—a spectacular view awaits! Don’t forget to step outside, raise your eyes to the heavens, and take in this beautiful cosmic display as the night unfolds.