saberscorpx
02-02-2008, 06:36 AM
Saturn Nears Opposition
The next 6 weeks will offer the best views of our ringed planet during 2008.
Opposition is February 24th when Saturn will reach an angular size of 20"
at a distance of 9.28 AU, shining at a respectable 0.2 magnitude.
Saturn spends all of 2008 in Leo, revealing ring tilts of 8° in February,
10° in May, 7° in August, and 2° in November.
Open to their maximum extent in 2003, the rings will close to edge-on in 2009.
Enjoy the show.
SJS
The next 6 weeks will offer the best views of our ringed planet during 2008.
Opposition is February 24th when Saturn will reach an angular size of 20"
at a distance of 9.28 AU, shining at a respectable 0.2 magnitude.
Saturn spends all of 2008 in Leo, revealing ring tilts of 8° in February,
10° in May, 7° in August, and 2° in November.
Open to their maximum extent in 2003, the rings will close to edge-on in 2009.
Enjoy the show.
SJS