Neptune will be in opposition to the Sun during the night of this Friday (20) and dawn of Saturday (21), marking the best time to observe the planet in 2024 .
The eighth planet in our Solar System is also the most distant from the Sun — 30 times farther than Earth — and it is impossible to see Neptune with the naked eye even during opposition. But for those who have good binoculars or telescopes at home, this Friday is the best time to try to spot the blue celestial body in the night sky.
Opposition occurs when the Earth is between the Sun and the planet, forming a straight line, according to the National Observatory. For Neptune, the phenomenon usually occurs every 367 days, on average, and means that our planet will be closer to the ice giant, which will make it appear brighter in the sky.
When you see a tiny, blue-glowing dot in the darkness of the sky, it’s worth remembering that the planet is actually an ice giant, with immense storms and a thick atmosphere of hydrogen, helium and other gases over a solid rock interior.
How to observe Neptune in opposition?
Neptune is expected to appear in tonight’s sky near the constellation Aries. The planet can be observed using telescopes, even small amateur ones, or high-powered binoculars.
Even though these devices can see Neptune at other times of the year, this Friday (20) represents the best chance for amateur observers to see the planet.
Check out some astronomy apps that can help you locate and track astronomical phenomena in the night sky.
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This content was originally published in The best time to spot Neptune is this Friday (20); find out how on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Charles Grill is a tech-savvy writer with over 3 years of experience in the field. He writes on a variety of technology-related topics and has a strong focus on the latest advancements in the industry. He is connected with several online news websites and is currently contributing to a technology-focused platform.
