The world Neptune. (Image credit: Starry Night) The solar systems outermost planet, Neptune, reaches opposition today– heres how you can see the remote gas giant. World Neptune reached opposition today (Sept. 14) at about 5 a.m. EDT (0900 GMT), when Earth passed straight in between the sun and Neptune, according to EarthSky.org. Opposition happens when 2 huge objects– in this case, the sun and Neptune– are on opposite sides of the sky as seen from Earth. As a result of this cosmic positioning, Neptune will appear bigger and brighter in the sky than at any other time of the year (though youll still need a pair of field glasses or a little telescope to see it.) Throughout opposition, Neptune rises in the east as the sun sets in the west, offering skywatchers the best views after 9 p.m. regional time. However, the world will be particularly magnificent and visible throughout many of the night tonight, in front of the constellation Aquarius, reaching its acme in the night sky around midnight regional time.Related: Night sky, September 2021: What you can see this month [ maps] World Neptune reaches opposition at about 5 a.m. EDT (0900 GMT) on Sept. 14, 2021, when Earth passes in between the sun and Neptune. (Image credit: Starry Night) Yesterday (Sept. 13), Neptune likewise passed perigee, or the closest point to Earth in its orbit, at a range of 2.7 billion miles (4.3 billion kilometers), making it appear its brightest all year. The planet made its closest technique to Earth about 20 hours before opposition. Nevertheless, as the 8th world from the sun, Neptunes huge distance means it is never ever noticeable to the unaided eye– no matter how closely it orbits Earth.” This world is about five times fainter than the dimmest star you can see on a moonless night under dark skies,” according to EarthSky.org. “Youll need binoculars or a telescope for Neptune, plus a comprehensive sky chart.” To find Neptune, you can aim to the left of the moon and look for the very close by star Phi Aquarii, which is faint, however easily visible to the eye alone on a dark night– without the light from the moon. You can utilize this guide from The Old Farmers Almanac to figure out when the moon sets and increases in your area, and strategy when you may get the very best chance to view the world. Given that Neptune is so faint (even at opposition), we suggest using an excellent sky chart to help recognize the distant world and its nearby landmarks in the constellation Aquarius. And while you might be able to glance the world in a great set of binoculars, youll more than likely have more luck with a telescope at 200 zoom, according to EarthSky.org. If night sky viewing conditions are bad tonight, nevertheless, dont worry! Youll have more chances to observe Neptune among the stars of Aquarius throughout September. Follow Samantha Mathewson @Sam_Ashley13. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook..
Planet Neptune reached opposition today (Sept. 14) at about 5 a.m. EDT (0900 GMT), when Earth passed directly in between the sun and Neptune, according to EarthSky.org. Opposition takes place when two huge things– in this case, the sun and Neptune– are on opposite sides of the sky as seen from Earth. (Image credit: Starry Night) Yesterday (Sept. 13), Neptune also passed perigee, or the closest point to Earth in its orbit, at a range of 2.7 billion miles (4.3 billion kilometers), making it appear its brightest all year. Offered that Neptune is so faint (even at opposition), we suggest utilizing a good sky chart to assist identify the distant planet and its neighboring landmarks in the constellation Aquarius.