The Moon meets Saturn: This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher

On this view at 4 a.m. EDT native time on Might 31, Saturn lies simply 0.4° from the Moon. Credit score: Astronomy: Roen Kelly

This week, we have now one other lovely conjunction within the morning sky because the Moon slides by Saturn and its magnificent ring system. Early on Might 31, at 4 A.M. EDT, from the Northern Hemisphere, the just-past Final Quarter Moon will likely be about 0.4° from Saturn. (That separation is lower than the half-degree width of a Full Moon.)

Observers in southern South America and components of Africa will get an much more spectacular present as they may see the Moon occult Saturn. In the mean time, the lean of the saturnian system is lowering as seen from our perspective, so its rings seem slim and foreshortened, lining up fantastically with its moons.

For extra on viewing Saturn, try our May edition of Sky This Month.