Observation possible from 17:49 on the 8th to 0:14 on the 9th… You can see it with the naked eye
Moon and Saturn become closest as 1974… Next time expected in 2075
This evening (the 8th), the closest encounter between the Moon and Saturn will take place in the southern sky. While the Moon and Saturn are at their closest approach in 50 years, we will have to wait another 50 years for the two celestial bodies to become as close as today.
According to the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute on the 8th, the Moon and Saturn appear 0.3 degrees closer together in the southern sky at 5:49 this evening. this close-in phenomenon is expected to be observable throughout the night until around 0:14 on the 9th.
This phenomenon occurs above 40 degrees in the southern sky and can be observed with the naked eye as long as there are no tall mountains or high-rise buildings blocking the view. When viewed with the naked eye, the Moon and Saturn appear almost adjacent, and when observed through a telescope, they come into one field of view. If you look at Saturn through a high-magnification telescope, you can also see saturn’s rings and Saturn’s largest moon, Titan.
Just because the Moon and Saturn appear closer does not mean that the physical distance between the two celestial bodies is getting closer. The Moon’s orbital period relative to the Earth is 29.5 days, and Saturn’s orbital period relative to the Sun is 29.5 years. Due to the difference in the inclination of the orbital planes of the two celestial bodies, the proximity of the two celestial bodies rarely occurs.
According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, based on what can be observed with the naked eye in Seoul, this moon’s proximity to Saturn is the closest in 50 years since February 4, 1974. The next time the two celestial bodies come this close is expected to be around August 20,2075.
The distance between the Moon and Saturn in this close encounter is 0.3 degrees, and as the visual diameter of the full moon (the apparent diameter of the celestial body as seen from Earth) is 0.5 degrees, the moon and Saturn are located closer to each other than the visual diameter of the full moon.
One thing to keep in mind is that the distance between the Moon and Saturn appears different depending on the observer’s location. The lower the observer’s latitude, i.e. closer to the equator, the closer they appear to the Moon and Saturn. In Okinawa, Japan, which is further south than the Korean Peninsula, the moon obscures Saturn and makes it invisible, and in the location below Okinawa, the two celestial bodies appear close together again.
Even ordinary people can easily check how close the Moon and Saturn appear by measuring the ‘angular distance’ using their fingers. Angular distance refers to the angle formed by two line segments when two points far away from the observation point are connected to each observation point. The closer the objects of observation are,the smaller the angular distance becomes. When the angular distance between two objects is less than 1 degree, it is called a proximity phenomenon.
angular distance can be measured with just your fingers without any special equipment. When the arm is extended, the thickness of the little finger is about 1 degree, and the thickness of the thumb is about 2 degrees.If you fold your
In celebration of the Moon-Saturn proximity phenomenon,Gwacheon National Science Museum and others are planning to hold an observation event that evening. Anyone can observe the Moon and Saturn proximity phenomena, as well as the Pleiades Cluster and Jupiter, which are representative winter celestial bodies, for free without prior reservation.
According to the Korea Meteorological Governance, clear weather is expected across the country on the 8th, except for some parts of the Honam region and Ulleung/Dokdo, so it is indeed expected that there will be no major disruption to observations.
Meanwhile, this weekend you can also see Jupiter shining brightest this year. When celestial bodies are located in the order of the Sun, Earth, and planets, they are said to be in a ‘conjunction’ position. In this state, the planets are closest to the Earth and shine brightly, making it the optimal time for observation. On the night of the 8th, Jupiter will be at opposition, and it is indeed expected to rise in the northeastern sky after sunset and be visible all night long.
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What time can I see the moon and Saturn’s closest encounter tonight?
Time.news Interview: The Celestial Encounter of the Moon and Saturn
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest with us, Dr. emily Carter, an astrophysicist with over a decade of experience in observational astronomy. We’re excited to discuss the captivating celestial event this evening,marking the closest encounter between the Moon and Saturn in 50 years.Thank you for joining us, Dr. Carter!
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here, especially for such an exciting astronomical event.
Editor: Now, this event is being touted as the closest approach between the Moon and Saturn since 1974. Can you tell our readers why this phenomenon is so remarkable?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely! the closeness of the Moon and Saturn, appearing only about 0.3 degrees apart in the sky, is very rare due to the different orbital periods of the two bodies. The Moon orbits Earth in about 29.5 days,while Saturn takes roughly 29.5 years to orbit the Sun. This discrepancy, combined with the inclination of their orbital planes, means such close encounters happen infrequently.
Editor: I understand that viewers in various locations will experience this event differently. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Carter: Yes! The apparent distance between the Moon and Saturn will vary based on the observer’s location. Such as, if you are closer to the equator, such as in Okinawa, Japan, the Moon may obscure Saturn. This means that where you are stands notable in observing this celestial dance. Interestingly, while some locations might see the two nearly touching, others could have saturn hidden from view.
Editor: For those wishing to catch a glimpse of this unique sight, are there any tips you would recommend for optimal viewing?
Dr. Carter: Definitely! First,find a dark area away from city lights. as it’s visible with the naked eye, looking in the southern sky around 5:49 PM will give you the best view. If you have a telescope,even better! It enhances the experience as you’ll be able to see Saturn’s rings and its largest moon,Titan. Additionally, you can measure their angular distance using your fingers—this is a great way to engage with astronomy on a personal level!
Editor: Physics can be tricky—can you explain why just because two celestial bodies appear close doesn’t mean they are physically closer together?
Dr. Carter: Great question! The visual proximity is purely an illusion created by their positioning in our line of sight. In reality, the vast distances separating these celestial bodies remain unchanged even during such events. The Moon orbits Earth at an average distance of about 384,400 kilometers, while Saturn is located about 1.4 billion kilometers from us. The perspective makes them appear closer, but they are still far apart in the solar system’s context.
Editor: This event is rare and won’t happen again until 2075. How does that make you feel as an astronomer?
Dr. Carter: It’s exhilarating! Events like this evoke a sense of wonder on both a scientific and personal level. They remind us of the grand scale of our universe and how minor moments can hold such significance. I always encourage everyone to take a moment to look up and appreciate these occurrences; they connect us to the cosmos in a profound way.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insight, Dr. Carter! Before we wrap up, any final thoughts for our readers who might witness this stunning event tonight?
Dr.Carter: Just invite your friends and family to join you in stargazing! Whether you’re using a telescope or simply gazing up at the sky,it’s an opportunity to bond and marvel at the beauty of space together. Enjoy the show!
Editor: Fantastic advice! We appreciate your time, Dr. Carter, and can’t wait to see the Moon and Saturn in alignment tonight. Thank you for joining us!
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! Clear skies!