Mark your calendars. This week’s night sky will provide a visual feast of celestial proportions.
As soon as the sun sets this week, look to the east. If you have a clear view, you’ll be able to see Saturn glowing brightly as Earth’s orbit brings us directly between Saturn and the sun on Wednesday.
According to a NASA skywatching video, the best time to check out the ringed world is at about midnight.
That said, you might take special care to look above you on Wednesday, when the full moon rises not far from Saturn in the night sky.
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Saturn will be at its closest point to Earth this week, allowing stargazers a pretty good look at the gas giant.
The planet will look somewhat like a bright, yellow-hued, unblinking star when seen with the naked eye.
That said, a backyard telescope or binoculars would also give interested space fans a better look at the planet’s rings.
On Wednesday, the summer’s first full moon, nicknamed the “Strawberry Moon,” will rise at around 12:53 a.m. ET on Wednesday.
But don’t be fooled by the nickname, the full moon won’t be sporting any extra color.
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the first full moon after summer indicated the beginning of strawberry picking season.
And while the full moon will only last the day, Saturn will be visible in the night sky for several more months.
This is just the beginning of a summer filled with fun celestial events. Mars will look bigger in the sky by the end of this month, making it visible from about 10:30 p.m. into the early hours of the morning.
Then in late July, Earth and Mars will be the closest they’ve been since 2003.
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