If you’re a night-sky enthusiast or just love a quiet moment under the stars, mark your calendar for July 15. On this night, the moon, Saturn, and the faraway planet Neptune will appear closely aligned in the sky, close enough to be spotted together using binoculars or a telescope. Read to know more details about the same.
Moon, Neptune, Saturn Together In The Sky
Late in the evening on July 15, Saturn will rise above the eastern horizon for skywatchers in the United States, with the moon positioned just a few degrees to its upper right. This pairing will take place in the Pisces constellation. While it may sound like a small distance, even three degrees apart in the sky looks relatively close, imagine your pinky finger held at arm’s length against the sky.
Tucked even nearer, just about one degree away from Saturn, is Neptune, one of the solar system’s most distant planets. But here’s the catch: Neptune is extremely dim and can’t be seen without optical help. If you’ve got a pair of decent binoculars, there’s a chance you might catch it as a faint bluish dot. The moonlight might make this tricky, but it’s not impossible.
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Want a clearer view? A backyard telescope will do the trick. With a 6-inch telescope, you’ll be able to spot the stunning rings around Saturn. A slightly larger scope might even let you see some surface details and color patterns on the planet itself. The moon, which will be about 75% full, also offers plenty to look at that night, especially the large, dark plain Mare Frigoris near its top edge.
This trio will slowly shift position through the night, remaining visible until dawn on July 16, when sunlight begins to wash them out.
You won’t need any fancy gear to enjoy the moment, but if you’re planning to dive deeper into stargazing, it’s a good excuse to bring out your telescope or camera. And if you’re new to this hobby, it’s a perfect night to start looking up.
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