Our charts are largely set for the northern half of Earth. To see a exact view out of your location, strive Stellarium Online.
Moon close to Saturn on December 25 and 26
A slender waxing crescent moon is passing Saturn on the evenings of December 25 and 26, 2022. Moreover, the crescent moon shall be aglow with earthshine.
Saturn reached its yearly opposition on August 14, 2022. That’s when Earth was passing between Saturn and the sun, inserting the ringed planet reverse the sun in our sky. Now Earth has moved on in its smaller, sooner orbit across the sun, and Saturn is now not seen all evening.
So, in December 2022, we within the Northern Hemisphere are seeing Saturn low within the southwestern sky at dusk (it’s northward, or nearer to overhead, as seen from Earth’s Southern Hemisphere). And, in late December, Saturn units somewhat after 8 p.m. native time … that’s the time in your clock irrespective of the place you might be on the globe.
Nevertheless, Saturn has light a bit from its most brightness for the 12 months, which occurred across the time of opposition in August. However the planet continues to be shining at a vibrant +0.8 magnitude, making it as vibrant or brighter than the brightest stars.
Even small telescopes will reveal Saturn’s wonderful rings. Plus, with a telescope, you may catch a glimpse of a number of of Saturn’s 83 moons.
Saturn is within the constellation Capricornus
Saturn is at present situated within the dim constellation Capricornus the Sea-Goat. The moon can lead you to Saturn, after which Saturn can assist you discover the faint constellation Capricornus. Nevertheless, Capricornus shall be tough to see within the night twilight.
By the way in which, Capricornus is among the 12 constellations of the zodiac. As a result of its stars are solely third and 4th magnitude, it’s too dim to see besides underneath dark skies. Nevertheless, this constellation has a particular form – that of an arrowhead – making it’s straightforward to select in case your sky is darkish.
Backside line: Search for a slender waxing crescent moon close to Saturn on the evenings of December 25 and 26, 2022. Saturn is within the dim constellation Capricornus the Sea Goat.
For more great observing events in the coming weeks, visit EarthSky’s night sky guide
