The beautiful ringed planet Saturn is set to enter opposition on September 7 and 8. This is significant, as Saturn will appear the largest and brightest from the earth during this time. On September 7 and 8, Earth will be positioned right between Saturn and the Sun. This alignment allows Saturn to shine brighter and larger than usual.
Using a telescope or a binocular is recommended, as the majestic rings of Saturn won’t be visible to the naked eye. As estimated, Saturn will rise around 6 pm local time on September 7, and it will be between 5:30 and 6:30 am local time on September 8. Make sure you catch this event as the next Saturn opposition will occur on September 21, 2025.
During this event, Saturn will be located in the constellation Aquarius. Skywatching software or a sky chart is recommended, as it will tell you Saturn’s location more precisely and using a telescope will enhance the view. The planet will reach its peak around midnight local time, appearing highest in the sky.
During this once-in-a-year astronomical event, Saturn will look more beautiful than usual as the bright direct sunlight will make its rings more visible and appear brighter. This phenomenon is known as the Seeliger Effect, named after the German astronomer Hugo Seeliger, who first described it.
On September 7, the moon will be a waxing crescent, i.e., around 18% full; thus, moonlight will not interrupt your skywatching session. Clouds are something you should worry about, though, as rains are pacing up in some parts of India.
Use weather apps or watch a weather forecast to ensure clear skies during the observation. In case you miss the opportunity on September 7 and 8, you can observe Saturn in its near opposition state until September 13.
