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A telescope can reveal many wondrous sights throughout the cosmos. Yet most observers would agree that none of these vistas matches the beauty of Saturn. You can judge for yourself as the ringed planet reaches its 2009 peak this month.
Saturn lies opposite the Sun in our sky March 8, which keeps it visible all night. Opposition also brings Saturn closest to Earth, so it shines brightest and appears biggest through a telescope. Saturn peaks at magnitude 0.5, making it the brightest object in its host constellation, Leo the Lion. The planet lies in southern Leo, beneath the Lion's hindquarters.
Saturn lies opposite the Sun in our sky March 8, which keeps it visible all night. Opposition also brings Saturn closest to Earth, so it shines brightest and appears biggest through a telescope. Saturn peaks at magnitude 0.5, making it the brightest object in its host constellation, Leo the Lion. The planet lies in southern Leo, beneath the Lion's hindquarters.