You can see Saturn in London’s night sky this week – find out when and how

This week Londoners have the chance to see the planet of Saturn in the night sky as it enters opposition.

Marking the only time you will be able to see the planet for over a year, Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and the second largest in the Solar System.

With 146 moons, Saturn boasts impressive rings that makes it a site not to be missed.

Find out when and how you can see Saturn this week.

How to see Saturn this week

Stargazing Londoners will be able to see Saturn from Sunday, September 8 to Tuesday, September 10 in the early morning this week.

You’re the best chance to see the gas planet according to Sky at Night is 01.15 BST and facing the south direction.

To get the best view, you’ll need to get away from light pollution, which may mean you’ll need to travel a bit out of your way.

If you lay down or sit to watch the shower, ensure your feet are facing southeast for the best view.

Additionally, make sure to turn off phones and torches 15 minutes before to allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness.

What does it mean when a planet is in opposition?

The Royal Museum Greenwich explains: “All the planets in the Solar System orbit around the Sun. At certain points during these orbits, the Earth finds itself directly between the Sun and another planet. This is the moment at which that planet is said to be ‘in opposition’.

“When Saturn is in opposition for example, Earth is between the Sun and Saturn. From our vantage point on Earth, Saturn is on the ‘opposite’ side of the sky to the Sun: when the Sun sets in the west, Saturn appears in the east.

“Only planets that are further out in the Solar System than the Earth can be in opposition: Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Because Venus and Mercury are closer to the Sun than the Earth, they can never be in opposition.”

You can see Saturn in the sky this weekend on September 8.