Saturn shines brightly tonight

Start the weekend off right with a stunning view of Saturn tonight.
By | Published: November 2, 2018 | Last updated on May 18, 2023
saturn
Saturn eclipses the Sun in this composite made with a series of images taken by the Cassini spacecraft in 2006.
NASA/JPL-Caltech/STScI
Saturn remains a tempting target in the early evening sky tonight.

The ringed planet stands about 20° above the southwestern horizon an hour after sunset and remains on view until 9 p.m. local daylight time.

Shining at magnitude 0.6, Saturn appears more than a full magnitude brighter than any of the background stars in its host constellation, Sagittarius.

Of course, the best views of Saturn come through a telescope, which reveals a 16″-diameter globe surrounded by a spectacular ring system that spans 36″ and tilts 26° to our line of sight.

For more quick observing tips and highlights, check out our weekly guide: The sky this week.