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Saturn in 2009
The year 2009 is a special year for the planet Saturn. Firstly, it is important to note that 2009 is the 400th anniversary of Galileo's telescope. With a magnification of twenty times, he used his telescope to observe Saturn. Galileo noted that it seemed to have two smaller planets on either side, which he called "ears" (Christiaan Huygens was the first to describe the "ears" as rings in 1655). However, he thought it extremely surprising when the two objects disappeared in 1612, and then reappeared in 1613. He did not know that Saturn was oriented such that the rings were out of view from Earth.
This year, Saturn offers a unique viewing opportunity that only occurs every fourteen or fifteen years: the same event Galileo experienced. By September 4, 2009, Saturn's rings will be virtually invisible. Because of its position and tilt of Saturn, the rings will appear edge-on. Although the rings will be sorely missed while they are away, their disappearance will allow astronomers to have a better look at the planet and its innermost moons, which are hard to see since the rings are so bright.
Finally, astronomers will have clear viewing of Saturn over the winter because the planet will be bright and high in the sky. It will continue to be good viewing until June, when it starts to set earlier in the evening. Saturn will look its best when it is at opposition on March 8 because an object at opposition is directly across from the sun and will be fully illuminated. So, ready your telescopes; Saturn will be a pleasure to watch this year.
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