Saturn - Brilliant in May

Saturn, the jewel of the solar system, is at its best position for viewing right now! It will look brighter then usual in the month of May. 

Gorgeous Saturn and its dramatic rings. Image Credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute

Saturn will be at opposition on May 10, meaning as both planets orbit the Sun, Earth passes in between Saturn and the Sun. If you want to learn more about opposition, read about the opposition of Mars in a previous blog post here. 

Saturn's rings edge on - they are only the thickness of a football field!
Image Credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute

Saturn rises at about 9 PM from Peoria. Look to the east for an object that looks like a bright star. You can also see the bright red/orange planet Mars easily right now. See image below, showing May 12 at just after 9 PM. The nearly full moon will be lined up in between Mars and Saturn. 

Click for larger image. Image Credit: Stellarium

May is a great time to look at Saturn through a telescope. If you don't have one at home, visit the Northmoor Observatory on the Donavan golf course in Peoria on clear Saturday nights beginning May 17, through October 18. Members of the Peoria Astronomical Society will show you the planets and Moon through the 24 inch telescope. You will be able to see Saturn's rings, and maybe a few moons!

The cyclone at Saturn's north pole. Image by Cassini on November 27, 2012. Image Credit:

NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute

There are thousands of amazing images of Saturn from the Cassini Space Telescope, which has been orbiting the planet since 2004. Enjoy browsing the images on the CICLOPS site here. 

Next time you are out at night, look towards the east to spot Mars and Saturn! As always, if you are interested in learning more about what you can see in the night sky, visit the Dome at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, where we teach about space and science every day. Find the full schedule and descriptions here.