The best time to view the outer planets is usually around midnight when they’re directly opposite the sun — but you don’t have to stay up that late to catch a good show. Right now, Saturn and Neptune are close together in the night sky. Both reached their “opposition” near the autumnal equinox in September, which means they’re now high in the southern sky after dark. Saturn, named for the Roman god of time, is easy to spot with the naked eye. Neptune, named for the Roman god of the sea, is trickier. You’ll need a telescope to glimpse it just a few degrees up and to the left of Saturn.
Each month, Rancho Mirage Observatory astronomer Eric McLaughlin spotlights a notable celestial event. Get the best view during a public stargazing session. For info, visit ranchomiragelibrary.org/observatory.
