Get ready to catch a glimpse of Neptune this weekend as it will be visible near the moon.
If you possess a reliable pair of binoculars, this weekend offers a rare chance to spot Neptune. Mark your calendars for the evening of Friday, August 4, and keep your eyes peeled throughout the night.
Neptune, the eighth and most distant known planet from the sun (approximately 30 times farther than the Earth-sun distance), is not an easy planet to locate. Unless you have a large motorized telescope that can do the work for you, you have probably never seen this blue-green planet.
Neptune, an “ice giant” planet about 17 times the mass of Earth, is completely invisible to the naked eye.
This weekend, Neptune will appear to be in close proximity to the moon, and luckily, this coincidence occurs at a very convenient time.
When to Observe Neptune This Weekend
On Friday, August 4, 2023, the moon will rise an hour or so before midnight (check the moonrise times in your location). At that time, the moon will be approximately 83% illuminated, and Neptune will be positioned to the upper right of the moon.
As the night progresses, the distance between Neptune and the moon will gradually decrease, giving you ample opportunity to observe them together until Saturday, August 5.
How to Spot Neptune This Weekend
To catch a glimpse of Neptune, you will need a reliable pair of binoculars, such as ones with a magnification of 10×42 or 10×50. With these binoculars, both the moon and Neptune should be visible in the same field of view, or at least very close.
Knowing the exact position of Neptune relative to the moon can be helpful, so you can use an online planetarium like Stellarium Web Online Star Map to assist you.
Astronomer Jeffrey L. Hunt recommends, “Once you locate the moon and the surrounding starfield, adjust your binoculars slightly so that the moon is just outside the field of view. Then, search for a dim aquamarine star in comparison to the brighter stars in the field.” This dim star is Neptune.
Despite the potential challenge of strong moonlight, keep searching for Neptune.
Ideal Time to Observe Neptune
While the close proximity to the moon presents an excellent opportunity, the absolute best time to observe Neptune is during its annual opposition on September 19, 2023, using a large telescope. This is when Earth is positioned between the sun and Neptune, bringing the two planets closest together. At this time, Neptune appears larger in the night sky and brighter as its surface is entirely illuminated by the sun from our vantage point.
May clear skies and sharp vision accompany you in your quest.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
