Saturn and Jupiter: Through the Clouds

Saturn: Taken under Michigan skies August 2nd, 2021

Saturn hit opposition on August 2nd, 2021. Opposition is the instance where an outer planet aligns along a line with both the Earth and the Sun. This also means it is at its closest distance to Earth, making it appear its brightest as well as its largest when observed from Earth. Top all that off with a perfectly clear sky forecast!

On numerous occasions the clear sky forecasts will be at odds with the national whether cloud forecast. Some occasions, the clear sky forecast will be right while other occasions the national whether cloud forecast is right; so there is always a chance that clouds ruin your parade. Last night (Aug. 2nd) the cloud forecast predicted correctly and the clouds ended up blocking my view of the planets for about 90% of the night. I decided to wait it out since I was all setup but the clouds persisted. However, I did manage to get a few shots of Jupiter and Saturn when they were able to peer out from the clouds, so at least I have something to show for the evening!

Jupiter and Io: Taken under Michigan skies August 2nd, 2021

Jupiter will be at opposition on August 19th, 2021.