The beautiful ringed planet Saturn entered opposition on September 7 and 8. This was significant, as Saturn appeared the largest and brightest from Earth during that time. On these dates, Earth was positioned right between Saturn and the Sun. This alignment allowed Saturn to shine brighter and larger than usual.
Using a telescope or binoculars was recommended, as the majestic rings of Saturn weren’t visible to the naked eye. As estimated, Saturn rose around 6 pm local time on September 7, and it set between 5:30 and 6:30 am local time on September 8.
For those who caught this event, it was a special opportunity, as the next Saturn opposition will occur on September 21, 2025. During this event, Saturn was located in the constellation Aquarius. Skywatching software or a sky chart was recommended to find Saturn’s exact location, and using a telescope enhanced the view. The planet reached its peak around midnight local time, appearing highest in the sky.
During this once-in-a-year astronomical event, Saturn looked more beautiful than usual, as the bright direct sunlight made its rings more visible and appear brighter. This phenomenon is known as the Seeliger Effect, named after the German astronomer Hugo Seeliger, who first described it.
On September 7, the moon was a waxing crescent, around 18% full, so moonlight did not interrupt skywatching sessions. Clouds, however, were a concern, as rains were increasing in some parts of India.