Icon viewers are invited to the ONU Observatory in Ada on Friday, May 2, for the event called "Saturn near opposition." The event, which is open to the public, is from 9 to 11 p.m.
Saturn actually reaches opposition on May 10, but this event takes place while the students are still on campus. During opposition, Saturn is optimally positioned for viewing: it is at its closest to the Earth and rises just as the Sun sets.
According to the ONU observatory website: "It will be a great night for observing solar system objects in general: we'll see the crescent moon, Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn all above the horizon at the same time. Saturn will not be above the wall of the observatory until about 9:30 p.m. However, if you arrive earlier, you can still see Jupiter, Mars and the crescent Moon.
"The weather is warmer now and there's no excuse to put off visiting the ONU Observatory any longer! Not only will we have fine targets in our telescopes, there will be interesting things to look for with your unaided eye.
"Yes, early May is a prime time to be watching the sky because of several, concurrent meteor showers, the April fireballs, and the frequent passage of bright satellites like the International Space Station."
