Harvest moon shines alongside golden Saturn this weekend
The autumn full moon reaches peak brightness Saturday, with Saturn appearing golden and near it through Monday.
The first full moon of autumn will light up the night sky this weekend, visible at its brightest just after sunset on Saturday. The ringed planet Saturn will appear golden and sit close to the moon from Friday through Monday, making for a rare viewing opportunity.
Saturn reaches its closest point to Earth on October 4, when it will appear noticeably larger and brighter than usual. Neptune will also be near the moon but requires binoculars or a telescope to see.
If clouds block the view, the moon will appear nearly full on Friday and Sunday evenings too.
- 12:49 p.m. ET Saturday
- Peak brightness time
- October 4
- Saturn opposition date
- Friday through Monday
- Viewing window for Saturn
- Friday and Sunday evening if cloudy
- Alternative view dates
Why it mattersSaturn reaches its closest point to Earth this month. The full moon makes viewing the planet easier this weekend.
AustraliaAustralians with clear skies can see both objects best after sunset, though viewing times and heights will differ from Northern Hemisphere schedules.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 36 min ago
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