The ringed planet reaches opposition on 4 October. Here is how to find it.
Tonight, 4 October, Saturn is at opposition. That means Earth is between Saturn and the Sun, so the planet rises around sunset, stays up all night and shines at its brightest for the year.
You do not need a telescope to find it. Look low in the east after sunset for a steady, yellowish-white light that does not twinkle like a star. To see the rings you need a telescope or strong binoculars. The rings are tilted so that we see their southern face, and they look lovely again after nearly vanishing from view last year.
How to look
- Go outside after dark with an adult.
- Look east, then find the steady yellow light.
- Visit a school or a science club that has a telescope. Some may hold sky-watching evenings this week, so ask your teacher.
Reported by Fatima, Class 5, Starlight Public School, Ranchi (young reporter).