Saturn to be seen in UAE skies

Residents and visitors to the UAE will be treated to a spectacular celestial phenomenon. On 8 September 2024, the planet Saturn will reach its closest point to Earth, offering an unforgettable view of its rings and satellites.

‘The planet’s rings will be clearly visible and every amateur astronomer will be able to make out its brightest satellites,’ said Khadija Ahmad, manager of the Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG), ’Saturn has 146 satellites and it is common to see the largest and brightest of them in telescopes. These include Titan, Rhea, Dione, Enceladus and others.’

Although the celestial spectacle can be observed with the naked eye, it will take a telescope to see the rings and satellites.

Saturn’s opposition occurs when the planet is at a perfect distance from the Sun and Earth. ‘This position not only makes Saturn appear larger and brighter in the night sky, but also provides an exceptional opportunity to observe its stunning rings with greater clarity,’ the DAG explained.

During the opposition, Saturn will be at its closest point to Earth, at a distance of about 1.2 billion kilometres. ‘Such an event occurs about once every 378 days, making it significant for astronomers and the general public alike,’ the DAG added.

‘The planet will rise at sunset, and the best time to see it is around midnight, at which time it will be most visible. It will be visible all night until sunrise,’ said the DAG manager, ’Saturn will be visible in the sky for several weeks after the opposition, but it is on 8 September that it will be fully visible.

DAG is organising a paid event at Al Lisaili Desert in Dubai, where guests will be able to observe Saturn through telescopes.

Source: Khaleej Times