The Sky This Week: Stay in the solar system
NEWS #9 Saturn and Titan Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, is easily visible around the ringed planet this week, along with several of its siblings. (Granted, this Cassini view is a bit closer than your backyard telescope will get you.) NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute Friday, September 24 Uranus is the most distant planet you can spot with the naked eye. And tonight presents a great timed challenge for anyone with a dark observing sight and a clear view of the eastern horizon. Our Moon passed 1.3° south of Uranus at noon EDT, while both were still below the horizon. After the Sun has set, Uranus rises around 8:30 P.M. local time, followed just 25 minutes later by the bright Moon. Those 25 minutes are the best time to try spotting the ice giant without optical aid, although it may be somewhat masked by the thick, turbulent air that sits close to the horizon. Even if you can’t find Uranus with the naked eye, binoculars or a small telescope will let you easily capture its magnitude 5.7 glo
