Saturn pulls a stunt that hasn’t happened since 2009: How to see

It’s not every day that the prominent features of our solar system disappear, but that’s exactly what happens on Saturn. On the weekend, Saturn’s gorgeous ring It almost disappears from view. There’s no need to worry. I’ll come back in a few weeks.

This phenomenon is caused by the optical illusion that occurs when stars are lined up. Saturn tilts at 26.73 degrees in orbit, while Earth tilts at 23.5 degrees and is very close to it. If the two planets are just side-by-side, the Saturn rings are almost completely horizontal from the Earth’s point of view, almost annihilation of them.

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So anyone looking up at the sky this weekend will notice that the planet doesn’t look very Saturn without the trademark ring. However, even if you are using a powerful telescope, the ring will still appear. As shown in the graphics above, it appears that a thin line runs through the middle of Saturn.

How does Saturn’s ring disappear?

The main focus is on Saturn and Earth’s tilt. It’s like looking at paper. If you hold it horizontally to eye level, it will not actually be visible.

Here is a proper analogy, as Saturn’s ring is very thin. According to NASASaturn’s ring averages about 30 feet tall over the entire length of the ring. In other words, it means when viewed from the side at about a distance 1.5 million kilometers (983,000 miles) and sometimes I look at the paper from the side.

The ring still looks technical. Those with a more powerful telescope may be able to see the lines protruding across Saturn. However, Saturn looks naked, as those with low-power telescopes may not see it.

When will the ring return?

This little heavenly dance peaks occur on weekends. So technically, the ring has already been like this for a week or two, and it remains difficult to see it enters April. By then, Saturn’s orbit will begin to tilt the ring again, and they will come back slowly and slowly, coming back next month or twice.

How rare is this event?

According to To NASAthis occurs on average every 13-15 years. However, it is not an exact science, as previous events occurred in 1980, 1995 and 2009. The next event is projected to come in 2038 or 2039.