How to identify Saturn subsequent to the moon in Nevada skies

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Saturn and the moon will seem shut collectively in Nevada skies, providing skywatchers a transparent view of a celestial pairing often called a conjunction.

The alignment will probably be seen Friday, Jan. 23.

During the occasion, the 2 objects seem close to each other from Earth’s perspective, creating an easy-to-spot spotlight within the evening sky. Saturn’s glow beneath the moon makes the pairing seen even with out particular gear, although darker skies away from metropolis lights can enhance the view.

Here’s what to learn about planetary conjunctions, the right way to spot Saturn and the moon collectively in Northern Nevada and what different skywatching occasions are forward in 2026.

What is a planetary conjunction?

A conjunction is an astronomical occasion through which at least two planets – or, on this case, a planet and a moon – seem to our vantage from Earth to be shut collectively within the sky.

Even although the planets are in actuality nonetheless tens of tens of millions of miles aside, the occasions current a particular alternative for astronomers and informal stargazers to see a number of worlds in our photo voltaic system at one time.

So, what causes conjunctions to happen?

As planets in our photo voltaic system orbit the solar at various speeds, generally their orbital paths convey them shut collectively on the identical aspect of the solar. The similar will be mentioned of the moon, which as an alternative orbits Earth.

When this occasion strains up with our view from Earth, we get a conjunction, based on the non-profit Planetary Society.

When is the Saturn, moon conjunction?

Saturn and the moon are attributable to share the sky for one evening on Friday, Jan. 23 after sundown and earlier than dawn, NASA mentioned in a month-to-month skywatching guide.

Those who lookup that evening haven’t solely an opportunity at seeing the moon – Earth’s solely pure satellite tv for pc – however Saturn, the sixth planet from the solar and the second largest within the photo voltaic system after Jupiter.

How full will the moon be throughout the conjunction? What to learn about lunar part

The moon is because of be about 23% full and in a waxing crescent part on Jan. 23, based on the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

That means a silver sliver of the moon will probably be seen, with most of its illuminated half going through away from Earth, NASA explains.

Where, how will you see celestial conjunction in January? Tips

For these within the Northern Hemisphere, which incorporates the U.S., recognizing the conjunction is as straightforward as finding the moon.

Look to the west and you will see Saturn situated just under the moon “sparkling in the night sky,” Chelsea Gohd, a science communicator at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, defined in a video.

Do you want a telescope to see Saturn subsequent to the moon within the sky?

Telescopes actually will improve the view – and will even unveil Saturn’s rings – however spectators do not want any gear to identify Saturn and the moon within the pre-dawn sky.

Is there going to be a meteor bathe in 2026?

Below are the peaks of eight upcoming meteor showers seen within the Northern Hemisphere in 2026, with their visible power rankings courtesy of britannica.com:

April 21-22: Lyrid meteor bathe (irregular)
July 30-31: Alpha Capricornid meteor bathe (medium)
Aug. 12-13: Perseid meteor bathe (robust)
Oct. 21-22: Orionid meteor bathe (medium)
Nov. 11-12: Taurid meteor bathe (weak)
Nov. 16-17: Leonid meteor bathe (irregular)
Dec. 13-14: Geminid meteor bathe (robust)
Dec. 21-22: Ursid meteor bathe (medium)

What is a supermoon in 2026?

Here are the dates for all 12 incoming full moons in 2026, and which of them will probably be supermoons:

Feb. 1: Snow Moon
March 3: Worm Moon
April 1: Pink Moon
May 1: Flower Moon
May 31: Blue Moon
June 29: Strawberry Moon
July 29: Buck Moon
Aug. 28: Sturgeon Moon
Sept. 26: Harvest Moon
Oct. 26: Hunter’s Moon
Nov. 24: Beaver Moon (supermoon)
Dec. 24: Cold Moon (supermoon)

Where to see astronomical occasions close to Reno

Going to a spot with darkish skies makes stars, meteors and comets shine brighter. For one of the best Saturn viewing, residents can escape the brilliant lights of Reno to close by places, together with:

Fort Churchill State Park: On Alt. 95 south of Silver Springs, the park gives darkish skies preferrred for night astronomical occasions among the many ruins of Fort Churchill. Entry is $5 for Nevada residents and $10 for nonresidents.
Pyramid Lake: A favourite for Renoites looking for an evening of stargazing, the lake is lower than an hour from The Biggest Little City. Its broad, open panorama and low mild air pollution give clear views of meteor showers and comets.
Lake Tahoe: Multiple places across the lake with low mild air pollution present wonderful stargazing inside an hour’s drive of Reno.

What area occasions are occurring in 2026?

For extra info on full moons and meteor showers, in addition to eclipses and area flights, in 2026, readers can see the Reno Gazette Journal’s 2026 Astronomy Event Guide on rgj.com.

Carly Sauvageau of the Reno Gazette Journal and Managing Editor Jeffrey Meehan contributed to this report.

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