2018 May 15

Observer’s Challenge – Observing Saturn

Alan Heath

Saturn reveals its loveliness even in a small telescope and observers will always remember their first view of the planet and its ring system.

Saturn is always a fine sight for any observer but this year it is located at -25 latitude and -26 from the first of July. Opposition is 2018 June 27. Being at such a low altitude in Sagittarius makes observing any fine detail very difficult in the UK. The rings are around 25° but it will be a challenge to see Encke’s Division. This division is situated in Ring A which is the outer ring beyond Cassini’s Division. Cassini’s can be seen with a 3-inch refractor under favourable conditions but Encke’s is much more elusive.

The satellites will be a challenge too and light pollution and low altitude will make Iapetus, Rhea, Tethys and Dione difficult. The BAA Handbook gives position data for these satellites on pages 83 and 84; Iapetus is brighter at Western Elongation and is much further out but mid-June and later August will be the best time to look for it.

There are two challengers therefore, these being to see if you can see Encke’s Division and also any satellite fainter than Titan. If you do not manage to meet either challenges, Saturn will always be a magnificent sight anyway.

As well as observing, why not make a sketch of Saturn and its rings and any visible moons; here is a sketch by Paul G. Abel made 2018 May 08 from the University of Leicester’s Observatory. Or maybe you prefer to take images. Please do submit any sketches, images or observing notes to Mike Foulkes at the BAA’s Saturn, Uranus and Neptune Section and upload them to your member page.

For more information on Saturn read this article by Mike Foulkes, or check out the BAA Handbook.