On November 29, observers will have a unique opportunity to witness Saturn shining brightly alongside the waxing moon in the southeastern sky after sunset. The celestial event will also feature the distant planet Neptune, though it will be too faint to see without a telescope.
Lunar and Planetary Alignment
The moon will be in its waxing gibbous phase, appearing half-lit as it reflects sunlight. Saturn will appear as a bright “evening star” just under 5 degrees to the lower right of the moon – about the width of a clenched fist held at arm’s length. This alignment is a particularly good time to observe the moon’s surface through a telescope, as the terminator (the line between light and dark) highlights craters and mountains.
Observing Saturn and Neptune
Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, while an 8-inch telescope will reveal the planet’s cloud bands, though its rings will appear thin due to their current angle relative to Earth. Neptune will also be present, roughly 2 degrees below the moon, but it will require a larger telescope (8-inches or more) under ideal conditions to spot as a faint blue dot.
Retrograde Motion Explained
Saturn will appear to end its westward “retrograde” motion on this night, resuming its eastward path across the sky. This apparent backward movement happens when Earth overtakes slower-moving outer planets in their orbits, creating an illusion of reversed motion. This is a normal phenomenon, and does not mean planets actually change direction.
The night of November 29 offers a beautiful opportunity for both casual stargazers and experienced astronomers to witness a fascinating celestial alignment.
This event serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our solar system and the ongoing movements of planets as seen from Earth.
