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bous moon shines in front of the constellation Virgo, and Saturn is nearby. Tomorrow night, on April 24, the moon moves close to the sparkling blue-white star Spica, which can help you identify Saturn.
• Then, on April 25, the full moon pairs up with Saturn all night. April 25 is also the night of a partial eclipse visible from Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.
• Saturn is less than one week from its April 28 opposition. On that day, the Earth in its orbit will fly in between the ringed planet and the sun, placing Saturn opposite the sun in our sky. In other words, in late April 2013, Saturn will rise opposite the sun at sunset, climb highest overhead at midnight and set opposite the sun at sunrise. The April 28 opposition of Saturn will be its closest encounter with Earth until the year 2023.
• Around the time we pass between Saturn and the sun, the distance between Saturn and Earth is least for the year. That's why this is such an excellent night to see Saturn! It's now approximately brightest for the year. Saturn - the ringed planet - is the gem of the solar system. You need a small telescope to see this world's glorious rings.
• Saturn is our solar system's second-largest planet and the sixth planet outward from our sun. Remember the number 9.5 and you have Saturn's vital statistics at your fingertips. Saturn's diameter is about 9.5 times greater than the Earth's diameter, and Saturn lies some 9.5 times the Earth's distance from the sun.
• Our solar system's biggest ring yet found around Saturn
• Now back to the moon. Why does the moon move in front of the stars from night to night? The fact is that - every day - the moon travels about 13o eastward in front (Continued on page 15)
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