By Syed Eshaan Ul-Haque
KUWAIT: Casual stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts are set for a rare spectacle this weekend, as Saturn will appear in Kuwait’s night sky at its brightest and sharpest in five years. The planet will be clearly visible on Sunday, September 21, from 5:50 pm and remain a highlight throughout the night. Dr Abrar Aljamaan, Assistant Professor at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) and Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), said Saturn will reach “opposition” at a distance of about 1,278.7 million kilometers from Earth. “This means Saturn will shine brighter and appear clearer than in recent years, offering one of the best opportunities for observation,” she noted.
Opposition, which occurs every 378 days, is when Earth passes directly between the Sun and Saturn, bringing the planet to its closest point for the year. The timing coincides with the new moon phase, ensuring Saturn’s glow is unobstructed by moonlight. To the naked eye, the planet will resemble a yellow star, brighter than in previous months. September is regarded as the best time to observe and photograph Saturn, as it rises in the east after sunset and remains visible until dawn.
Dr Aljamaan explained that while Saturn can easily be spotted without equipment, binoculars and small telescopes enhance the experience. “With binoculars, Saturn appears as a golden sphere. Through a telescope, viewers can see its iconic rings and even glimpse Titan, its largest moon,” she said. “Saturn’s opposition reminds us of the vastness of the universe and our small, meaningful place within it,” she added. “It is a chance to connect scientific discovery with the sense of wonder that unites humanity.” The event offers families and astronomy enthusiasts in Kuwait an opportunity to witness the beauty of the solar system together.
