August Night Sky

When a stellar object is opposite the sun in the night sky this is what is known as opposition to the sun.  (Word of the Day)  The object might include a planet from our own solar system such as Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus or Neptune.  It can also include a dwarf planet such as Pluto or an asteroid such as Vesta. These opposition events are significant for us stargazers as the object will rise at sunset and set at sunrise.  It will remain visible in the night sky in-between those times.

Opposition is the very best time these bright and shiny objects in the night sky.

For one time every year the earth passes between the sun and the the sixth planet, Saturn.  As a consequence tomorrow evening Saturn will will be in opposition and quite observable even with the light interference of a full moon.

August has a great deal going for it - Comet K2, the Perseids, a Super Sturgeon Moon and Saturn being closest and brightest in our night sky.  ALL NIGHT LONG.

Watch for Saturn as it rises in the east  and sets in the west.  To locate it look for Jupiter which is the very brightest planet in the sky this time of year.  Saturn will be to the right and slightly higher (refer to the sky map).

While you can enjoy a very good view of Saturn without optics if you have access to a telescope this is an excellent opportunity to observe the rings of the planet.  If you are lucky you might even spot Titan - Saturn's largest moon!

Fingers-crossed for clear night skies and enough breeze to sweep the mosquitoes away.

Cheers!

Stellarium