Saturn, on August 27 will be the protagonist of an exceptional show visible throughout the night even to the naked eye. You will be able to observe its many rings.
The charm of Saturn
Is considered "the planet among the planets” and the most charming of all the Solar System thanks to its rings. Scholars debate the matter that characterizes them: it is known that its rings are multicolored, formed by pieces of comets, asteroids and shattered moons that have dissolved or destroyed before reaching the planet, from which they would have been attracted due to its powerful severity. It is a ring system divided into several parts.
The planet Saturn is the penultimate planet visible to the naked eye and has been known since ancient times: we recall that the first to observe and study it were the Babylonians. Saturn remains a planet that fascinates with its many mysteries.
The contribution of the Italians to know the characteristics of the planet
A great contribution to the study of the planet came from observations conducted by ours Galileo Galilei. in 1649 Eustachio Divine, a telescope builder from the Marche region, publishes for the first time a detailed representation of Saturn's rings; John Cassini in 1675 he identified the first subdivision of the Ring System.
Maximum visibility on August 27th
IOn August 27, the planet will be in opposition to the Sun, and will become clear and visible throughout the night; it will also be at a minimal distance from the Earth. This will allow, using a telescope, to see the details of its rings as well. This will happen thanks to the opposition, i.e. the alignment with the planet on duty (in this case Saturn) which is to be found on the opposite side of the Earth with respect to the Sun. The "lord of the rings" will have to be beyond the Earth's orbit.
The best time to watch the phenomenon and start observing is from 23,00 pm as indicated by theUnione Astrofili Italiani (Wow),
The phenomenon will also be visible from Italy. Millions of Italians are already ready to look up to the sky.
We also know that Saturn is the protagonist of the August nights together with the Perseids, the most famous of the shooting stars, originating from the constellation of Perseus.
We just have to get ready to enjoy this show!
cover photo from Pixaby
