AdmiralAdama
iPad Fan
Tonight's the night.
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Saturn Rising
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AdmiralAdama
iPad Fan
All this month and next.
Below is copied from Earth & Sky. Is it OK to post a link to the Earth & Sky article?
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On April 15, 2012, the Earth in its orbit will pass between Saturn and the sun, at which time Saturn will appear opposite the sun in our sky. So, in April and May 2012, if you’re looking for Saturn during the evening hours, you should be facing east to southeast at nightfall and south around middle to late evening.
On any night of 2012 – because the planet Saturn stays close to the star Spica throughout 2012 – you can rely on the Big Dipper to guide you to Spica and Saturn. In other words, you can follow the arc to Arcturus and drive a spike to Spica from the handle of the Big Dipper. Once you identify Spica, notice the bright golden starlike object nearby. That’ll be Saturn. Saturn and Spica’s orientation with respect to the horizon will change throughout the year, and they are different in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. But Saturn and Spica remain close during 2012. Two bright objects in the sky, near each other, might be them!
Below is copied from Earth & Sky. Is it OK to post a link to the Earth & Sky article?
AA
On April 15, 2012, the Earth in its orbit will pass between Saturn and the sun, at which time Saturn will appear opposite the sun in our sky. So, in April and May 2012, if you’re looking for Saturn during the evening hours, you should be facing east to southeast at nightfall and south around middle to late evening.
On any night of 2012 – because the planet Saturn stays close to the star Spica throughout 2012 – you can rely on the Big Dipper to guide you to Spica and Saturn. In other words, you can follow the arc to Arcturus and drive a spike to Spica from the handle of the Big Dipper. Once you identify Spica, notice the bright golden starlike object nearby. That’ll be Saturn. Saturn and Spica’s orientation with respect to the horizon will change throughout the year, and they are different in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. But Saturn and Spica remain close during 2012. Two bright objects in the sky, near each other, might be them!
Sounds like closest approach. If anyone is really interested in this try and get a look through a Newtonian reflector of at least six inches, and you'll be rewarded with the best view imaginable.
I was 13 the first time I saw Saturn's rings with my own eyes, and I've never forgotten the experience.
Your local astronomical society will have the necessary equipment and will be more than happy to show you.
Sent from my iPad 4 HD mini
I was 13 the first time I saw Saturn's rings with my own eyes, and I've never forgotten the experience.
Your local astronomical society will have the necessary equipment and will be more than happy to show you.
Sent from my iPad 4 HD mini
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AdmiralAdama
iPad Fan
This may be of assistance.
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