Our charts are principally set for the northern half of Earth. To see a exact view out of your location, attempt Stellarium Online.
Moon close to Saturn on December 25 and 26
A slender waxing crescent moon is passing Saturn on the evenings of December 25 and 26, 2022. Moreover, the crescent moon will probably be aglow with earthshine.
Saturn reached its yearly opposition on August 14, 2022. That’s when Earth was passing between Saturn and the sun, inserting the ringed planet reverse the sun in our sky. Now Earth has moved on in its smaller, quicker orbit across the sun, and Saturn is now not seen all night time.
So, in December 2022, we within the Northern Hemisphere are seeing Saturn low within the southwestern sky at dusk (it’s northward, or nearer to overhead, as seen from Earth’s Southern Hemisphere). And, in late December, Saturn units somewhat after 8 p.m. native time … that’s the time in your clock irrespective of the place you might be on the globe.
Nonetheless, Saturn has pale a bit from its most brightness for the 12 months, which occurred across the time of opposition in August. However the planet remains to be shining at a vivid +0.8 magnitude, making it as vivid or brighter than the brightest stars.
Even small telescopes will reveal Saturn’s wonderful rings. Plus, with a telescope, you may catch a glimpse of a number of of Saturn’s 83 moons.
Saturn is within the constellation Capricornus
Saturn is at the moment situated within the dim constellation Capricornus the Sea-Goat. The moon can lead you to Saturn, after which Saturn may help you discover the faint constellation Capricornus. Nonetheless, Capricornus will probably be troublesome to see within the night twilight.
By the way in which, Capricornus is likely one of the 12 constellations of the zodiac. As a result of its stars are solely third and 4th magnitude, it’s too dim to see besides below dark skies. Nonetheless, this constellation has a particular form – that of an arrowhead – making it’s simple to pick in case your sky is darkish.
Backside line: Search for a slender waxing crescent moon close to Saturn on the evenings of December 25 and 26, 2022. Saturn is within the dim constellation Capricornus the Sea Goat.
For more great observing events in the coming weeks, visit EarthSky’s night sky guide