Saturn reaches opposition on 8 September 2024, when the planet is presented at its best to us viewing from Earth.
Shining at magnitude +0.2 among the stars of Aquarius, Saturn reaches around 30° altitude when due south, which is much better than it has managed over recent years.
This lifts it above a lot of the low-altitude turbulence that has ruined the UK’s view for a number of years.
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Having said this, Saturn’s rings are currently only tilted to our line of sight by 3.7°, which makes them appear extremely thin and somewhat less impressive than when they are presented at a wider tilt angle.
At this value, detail such as the dark Cassini division is hard to see, most likely to be glimpsed by larger instruments towards the extremities of the rings.
In the days running up to opposition, the rings appear to brighten in what’s known as the Seeliger or opposition effect, dimming again in the days that follow.
The effect is caused by the myriad ring particles lining up with their shadows, effectively hiding them.
A bright, virtually full Moon sits 5.2° southwest of Saturn in the early hours of 17 September (the Moon also technically being at opposition when it’s full in our sky).
Around opposition, Saturn remains visible all night long.
As we are now on the latter side of the June solstice, from the Northern Hemisphere, the lengthening nights will help to keep Saturn centre-stage for many weeks to come.
As it climbs above the 30° threshold from the UK, this is an exciting time to give the ringed planet plenty of attention.
For more advice, read our guide on how to observe Saturn with a telescope.
Saturn opposition key facts
- Best time to see: 8 September, 01:15 BST (00:15 UT)
- Altitude: 29°
- Location: Aquarius
- Direction: South
- Features: Rings, banded atmosphere, brighter moons
- Recommended equipment: 75mm scope or larger
Share your Saturn observations and images with us by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com.