The Waning Gibbous Moon will shine incredibly close to the ringed planet Saturn this week. If you look up at the night skies tonight (May 22), the Earth’s lunar companion will be in a prime position between Saturn and Jupiter. This celestial alignment presents an ideal opportunity for amateur astronomers to spot not one, but two planets from Earth. And tomorrowm (May 23), as the Moon continues to move across the night sky, the glowing orb will still be incredibly close to Saturn.
How to see the Moon and Saturn in the skies:
The exact moment the Moon and Saturn creep up over the horizon will vary around the world.
In mid-northern latitudes, which include much of Europe and North America, the duo will not be visible until the very late evening.
If you live even further up north, you might have wait until after midnight to catch a glimpse of the two bodies in the southeast skies.
Maritime astronomer Bruce McClure of EarthSky explained: “If you’re not a night owl, your best bet for catching Saturn might be in the hours before daybreak.”
However, in southern latitudes below the equator, the Moon and Saturn should be visible by around mid-evening.
According to Mr McClure, Saturn will be unmistakable and look like a “golden-coloured star”.
As a bonus, if you look up at the skies tonight, the planet Jupiter is expected to be about 14 times brighter than Saturn.
Mr McClure said: “Nonetheless, Saturn shines as brilliantly as a 1st-magnitude star and should be easy to spot with the eye alone.
“Simply use the Waning Gibbous Moon to guide you to the planet Saturn these next few nights.”
Will you be able to see Saturn’s famous rings?
Saturn is the second largest planet in our solar system but its most recognisable feature are its beautiful concentric rings.
Astronomers typically advise a pair of strong binoculars are good enough to see the planet but a small telescope will do the trick of revealing the rings.
Your best bet for catching Saturn might be in the hours before daybreak
Bruce McClure, EarthSky
A three inch telescope with a 25x to 50x magnification will get the job done.
Mr McClure said: “If you have a telescope, use it to view Saturn’s glorious rings.
“Saturn is the most distant planet that you can easily see without a telescope.”
Quick facts about the ringed giant Saturn:
1. Saturn is the only planet in the solar system that could float in water because it comprised of gas.
2. Saturn’s incredible rings are not solid. Instead, they are made of loose, floating pieces of rock, ice and gas.
3. Saturn’s rings are an incredible sight to behold but only measure about 0.6 miles (on kilometres) thick.
4. Surprisingly, Saturn is not the only planet in our system to have rings but these are the only rings you can see from Earth.
5. A single year on Saturn is equal to about 29 years on Earth because of its sluggish orbit.
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