Saturn Viewing, 2014

[Christopher K.]

Saturn will remain at its best throughout this month. The northern side of the rings is tilted to our vantage point at almost twenty-two degrees.

Saturn will shine at magnitude 0.11 or better until 21 May. Below are selected times of this span during which Saturn is its highest (forty-four degrees) in the Baton Rouge sky...
6 May = 1:23am
9 May = 1:10am
12 May = 12:57am
15 May = 12:44am
18 May = 12:32am
21 May = 12:19am
The planet actually reaches an ever-so-slightly higher altitude every night.

Interested parties should take advantage now; even in moderate telescopes the Cassini Division can be seen. True, the Moon's light will play havoc with viewing plans during the first half of this time period. If one wants to trade altitude for darkness, from 16 May on one can view Saturn beginning between 9:45pm and 10pm.

[Christopher K.]

Saturn remains slightly brighter than magnitude 0.5 through about the 24th. After the 24th, Saturn will sink lower in the Baton Rouge light pollution and lower in the heavy summer evening atmosphere.

Below are the Saturn's highest altitude after twilight for the next thirteen nights...
12 July = 9:44pm, 42˚
13 July and 14 July = 9:43pm, 42˚
15 July = 9:42pm, 42˚
16 July = 9:42pm, 41˚
17 July = 9:41pm, 41˚
18 July = 9:40pm, 41˚
19 July = 9:40pm, 40˚
20 July = 9:39pm, 40˚
21 July = 9:38pm, 40˚
22 July = 9:38pm, 39˚
23 July = 9:37pm, 39˚
24 July = 9:36pm, 39˚