Close Approach of the Moon, Saturn and Pluto

On Saturday night, November 2, the waxing crescent moon will pay a visit to Saturn and Pluto. Let’s find out how to see these celestial objects in the sky.

Yellow-tinted Saturn is still a very good option for backyard telescopes this week. It’s in the southern evening sky - and is rather less bright than Jupiter. The ringed planet will be visible from dusk, when it will be about two fist diameters above the southern horizon, until after 10 pm local time. Saturn’s position is just to the upper left (or celestial east) of the stars that form the constellation of Sagittarius (the Archer) and about 2.5 fist diameters to the upper left (or celestial east) of Jupiter.

On the evening of Saturday, the moon, Saturn and Pluto will make a close approach. The moon and planet will be located above the stars of Sagittarius (the Archer), above the southern horizon. You can start watching as the dusk sky fades. The moon and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye or through a pair of binoculars. To see the dwarf planet Pluto, you will need a telescope.

Use Star Walk 2 to keep up to date with the latest astronomy news and to get observing tips.

Happy hunting!