Get ready for a spectacular celestial event as the moon and Saturn align in the night sky. On the nights of July 23 and 24, sky watchers will be treated to a breathtaking view of the waning gibbous moon passing close to the ringed planet.
When and Where to View the Moon and Saturn
To witness this cosmic encounter, head outdoors and face east before midnight on July 23. Around 11:00 PM EDT, the moon, which will be 90% illuminated, will be positioned slightly above and to the right of Saturn. For the best view of the moonrise, arrive approximately 30 minutes earlier.
On the following night, July 24, the moon and Saturn will again align, but with some differences in their positions. This time, the moon will be 81% illuminated and situated lower in the sky and to the left of Saturn. The moon will rise around 11:00 PM EDT, so checking the exact moonrise time for your location is recommended.
Celestial Background
Both nights, the moon and Saturn will be visible against the backdrop of the Aquarius constellation. From North America, they will appear about 10 degrees apart in the sky. For observers in parts of Asia and Africa, this celestial event will feature an additional twist. The moon will occult Saturn, meaning it will pass in front of the planet and temporarily hide it from view.
Where the Occultation Will Be Visible
The occultation of Saturn by the moon will be visible from eastern Africa, Madagascar, southern and eastern India, northwest Indonesia, much of Southeast Asia, China, and Mongolia. During this period, Saturn will briefly disappear behind the moon, creating a rare and fascinating view for those in these regions.
Understanding the Cosmic Distance
While these celestial events offer a stunning visual experience, they are merely line-of-sight phenomena. The moon is approximately 238,855 miles (384,400 km) from Earth on average, whereas Saturn is about 832 million miles (1,340 million km) away during these observations. These events are visible from Earth’s perspective, showcasing the wonder of our night sky.
As our perspective in the solar system shifts, we’re seeing Saturn in its almost full glory. The planet is nearing full illumination as it approaches its annual opposition on September 8, when Earth will align directly between the sun and Saturn. During this time, Saturn will appear at its largest, brightest, and most spectacular. While summer is an excellent time for observing Saturn, its visibility is particularly striking as it nears this opposition.
To truly appreciate Saturn’s stunning rings, a telescope is necessary. Even a modest 2-inch (50mm) refractor telescope will reveal the iconic ring pattern that defines Saturn. Unfortunately, the rings won’t be visible with the naked eye or through binoculars alone.
For those interested in a closer look at the night sky’s planets, check out our comprehensive guides on the best telescopes and binoculars.
If capturing the close approach of the moon and Saturn is your goal, we offer expert tips on photographing planets, along with recommendations for the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see two of the most intriguing objects in our night sky come together. Grab your telescope or binoculars and enjoy the cosmic show!
