Saturn at opposition 2026
Saturn is opposite the Sun: up all night, at its closest and brightest (magnitude 0.3) in Cetus.
When
What it is
At opposition the Earth passes between the Sun and Saturn. The planet rises at sunset, is highest around midnight and sets at sunrise.
How to see it
Easy to see with the naked eye as a bright, steady “star”. Any small telescope shows the rings and the moon Titan.
Check the clouds for that night
See it for your city
See also
The Moon meets Mars, 5 October 2026
The Moon passes 1.1° from Mars — a pretty pair for the naked eye and the camera.
The Moon meets Jupiter, 6 October 2026
The Moon passes 0.2° from Jupiter — a pretty pair for the naked eye and the camera.
Draconids meteor shower 2026
Peak night, up to 10 meteors an hour under a dark sky. The Moon is almost out of the way — a good year.
Mercury at greatest eastern elongation, 12 October 2026
Mercury is 25.2° from the Sun — the best time to find it low in the west after sunset.
Neptune at opposition 2026
Neptune is opposite the Sun: up all night, at its closest and brightest (magnitude 7.8) in Pisces.
Uranus at opposition 2026
Uranus is opposite the Sun: up all night, at its closest and brightest (magnitude 5.6) in Taurus.