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2026 April

The first observation of Saturn for this apparition was made by Trevor Barry on April 26, followed by observations made on April 27. On both dates, the planet was low and images were taken with both an IR filter (IR >685nm) and a methane filter. The south face of the rings is now tilted towards the Sun and the Earth, and the Cassini Division was visable in each ansae. The EZ was bright in IR but only the northern half was brighter in methane with a prominent EZB also visible in methane.

2026 May

During May, further observations were made by Trevor Barry, i.e. on May 3, 10, 18 and 20, again with IR (>685 nm) and methane (890nm) filters. With improving conditions as the planet became higher, more detail was recorded including more belts and zones. On May 3, Dione’s shadow was recorded in transit. On May 18, some light spots were recorded at approximately -7 degrees, -43 degrees and 60 degrees. On May 20, Trevor made a remarkable observation recording spokes on Ring B using both the IR and Methane filters. An animation of these images is shown below.

2026 June.

During June, observations have been received from Trevor Barry on June 7, 10 and 21; Kevin Kell on June 3, 24 and 29; Gregory T. Shanos on June 23 and Peter Tickner on June 13.

All observations have revealed the major belts with a bright EZ. Trevor was able to image the long-lived Anti Cyclonic (AV) vortex on June 21 with an approximate latitude of 43 degrees north. This was the first observation of this object during this apparition. He again imaged ring spokes; this time on June 7. Trevor has also recorded a number of light spots including an oval at approximately 43 degrees south (on (June 7 and 10) and one at 58 degrees south. During the last apparition, similar ovals were observed at these latitudes but further observations are required to see it they are identical.

2026 July

Under construction.