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Saturn will be at its dazzling best this year, coming into 'opposition' (the closest it'll be to Earth) on August 26-27, 2023. While the exact date provides a pinnacle for observation, the viewing conditions for Saturn will be promising from now until late August for late-night observations. As we progress into the months after August, early night views of Saturn will equally be awe-inspiring. Look towards the southeast sky around sunset, and Saturn will grace your sight.





Some facts that have always made Saturn the biggest *star (..or rather, a planet) in our night sky:


  • Saturn, the behemoth of a planet, stands as the second-largest in our Solar System, with only Jupiter overshadowing its enormity.

  • This gas giant's majestic rings aren't solid. They’re an enchanting mix of ice fragments, dust, and rock.

  • The rings may be expansive, nearly spanning the distance between Earth and the Moon, but they are astonishingly thin, measuring less than a kilometer in thickness.

  • Even a small telescope is sufficient to get a glimpse of Saturn's rings - the only planetary rings easily visible from our planet.

  • Winds on Saturn are anything but mild. Equatorial gusts can reach speeds of up to 1,800 kilometers per hour. Compare that to Earth's fastest winds, which barely touch 400 kilometers per hour.

  • Time seems to stretch on Saturn. While a Saturnian day is brisk at 10 hours, a year there equates to 29.5 Earth years.

  • Owing to its distance from the Sun, Saturn gets a lot less sunlight than Earth, making it about 100 times colder.

  • The day we all eagerly await, Saturday, owes its name to this distant planet.


Saturn, when viewed through a telescope or even binoculars, evokes wonder. It might initially appear like an oval or even remind some of the Batman symbol. However, once your eyes adjust, the clarity of Saturn's rings emerges, leaving viewers with an inevitable "oh wow!" moment.



Saturn in a basic telescope


Just as Earth experiences the dance of seasons through solstices and equinoxes, so does Saturn. A complete orbit around the Sun for Saturn is a lengthy 30 Earth years. Presently, Saturn is gearing towards its equinox, which means we'll witness its rings open more expansively each year until around 2028, post which they'll start to close gradually.



how Saturn's rings open and close



The enigma of Saturn's rings has perplexed many, including the illustrious Galileo. When he first observed these rings, they appeared as moons. But subsequent observations, especially during Saturn’s equinox when the rings appeared edge-on, led to a great deal of confusion. Familiar with the Greek myth of Κρόνος (Krónos) - the child-eating Titan - Galileo humorously surmised that like the myth, Saturn seemed to have 'eaten' its children (the rings that disappeared).


Beyond the rings, if your gaze drifts just a bit, you might catch a glimpse of Titan. Larger than even the planet Mercury, Titan is the second-largest moon in the solar system, with only Jupiter's Ganymede out-sizing it. Titan intrigues scientists, primarily due to its lakes and clouds of methane, which behave similarly to how water does on Earth. Visions of submarines exploring Titan's methane lakes might sound like science fiction today, but future missions might just turn that into a reality.


For those keen on a more intimate experience of Saturn and the myriad wonders of our universe, join us on one of our upcoming astronomy programs. And while you're at it, don't forget to grab one of our new bumper stickers!


Saturn's allure is timeless, and 2023 is yet another year to be captivated by its celestial beauty. So, whether you're an amateur stargazer or a seasoned astronomer, clear your calendars for late August, and let's together marvel at the splendor of Saturn!


See Saturn tonight or any night the rest of this year in a giant telescope on our program: AstroTours.org/book





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Hello, stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts!

AstroTours.org has always been dedicated to connecting people with the wonders of the universe, and today, we have a special reason to celebrate. We've just hit a significant milestone—our 100th blog post!



With a medley of topics ranging from celestial events to company announcements, we've consistently worked to provide our community with valuable, enlightening, and engaging content. Let’s walk down the memory lane and highlight some of the key posts that have shaped our journey. 1. Cosmic Events and Celestial Bodies

  • "How to Witness the 2023 Perseids Meteor Shower": Guiding enthusiasts on one of the most anticipated meteor showers.

  • "Starting August with a Spectacular Super Moon": Celebrating those perfect nights under the shimmering stars.

  • "The Dance of Venus: A Stargazer's Guide" and "Venus Needs Our Help: Support NASA's VERITAS Mission": Diving deep into the allure of our sister planet.

  • "The Moon: Earth's Loyal Companion": Reflecting on the significance of our own natural satellite.

  • "Kessler Syndrome: When Space Junk Spirals out of Control": Addressing a rising concern about space sustainability.

2. Celebrating Milestones and Announcements

  • "AstroTours.org now has over 1000 5 star reviews!": A testament to our commitment to stellar experiences.

  • "AstroTours.org Announces Price Increase for Summer Months": Keeping our community informed of important changes.

  • "Winner of the 2022 Boulder Award" and "2022 Cultural Tour Company of the Year Award Winner": Celebrating accolades that recognize our dedication.

3. Tours, Events, and Community Initiatives

  • "New Moon Donation Astronomy Tour in Winter Park": Marrying our love for the skies with charitable efforts.

  • "AstroTours.org on HGTV!": Bringing the wonders of space to broader audiences.

  • "Navigating the Northern hemisphere": Offering guidance to our stargazers in the top half of the world.

4. Thoughtful Reflections and Insights

  • "The Astrotours Curse": Delving into the mysteries and myths of our universe.

  • "Light Pollution": Shedding light on an issue that dims our view of the cosmos.

  • "Black Lives Matter" and "COVID-19": Addressing critical global issues, proving that while we look to the stars, our feet are firmly planted on Earth.

From "Introduction to the series" in 2018, our debut post that set the tone for our blogging journey, to the latest insights on the Perseids Meteor Shower in 2023, we've come a long way. A massive thank you to each and every one of our readers, followers, and stargazing enthusiasts who have been a part of this incredible journey. As we commemorate this milestone, we promise that the next 100 posts will be just as enlightening, intriguing, and awe-inspiring as the last. Clear skies and happy stargazing! 🌌🔭🌠

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The celestial spectacle of the Perseids meteor shower is almost upon us! Whether you’re planning a solo observation or want to make it an outing with friends, this guide has you covered. And if you'd rather have an expert guide, join Astrotours during the peak on Aug 12th, Aug 13th, and Aug 14th (Just Book at AstroTours.org/book). Get a detailed and immersive experience through a telescope, making your night unforgettable.



In a nutshell: Plan = when?, where?, & how?

#1 - When? The best time to catch this meteor shower is from August 7th to the 15th, especially between 11 pm and 3 am. The peak is anticipated to be on the night of August 13th, but remember, the Perseids offer a generous window to witness their beauty.

#2 - Where? You could start in your backyard or, for an enhanced experience, locate the darkest place near you using this light pollution map. Additionally, always check the weather forecast at weather.gov to ensure you have a cloud-free night.

#3 - How? Maximize your viewing experience by:

  1. Switching off all lights and allowing your eyes to adapt to the darkness for about 20 minutes.

  2. Lying on your back to broaden your field of view. Consider a public park and lay on a picnic blanket in a pitch-dark grassy field.



Essentials for your stargazing night:

  • A comfortable surface (picnic blanket, trampoline, hammock, sleeping pad, rug, air mattress, etc.)

  • Your keen eyes

Optional but helpful:

  • Bug spray

  • Warm clothing

  • Sky map app on your smartphone

  • Binoculars

  • Telescope

The Perseids are a result of Earth's journey through the debris trail of Comet Swift-Tuttle. The "shooting stars" or meteors we see are essentially the electrification of the atmosphere as this debris burns up upon entering. The peak, while notable, shouldn’t be your sole focus. The broader window from Aug 7th to the 15th provides ample opportunity for a delightful display.

Given the Earth's rotation, the most favorable time to view meteors is later at night or during the early hours, typically around 2 am. This is when you’re facing the direction of Earth’s orbit around the sun. A significant advantage this year is the reduced moonlight due to just 10% illumination, enhancing visibility even in the early evening.

When picking a spot, prioritize darkness and an expansive view of the sky. Localities like Cherry Creek State Park or the Rocky Mountain Arsenal offer impressive darkness while being conveniently close. while mountian passes like loveland pass will be very dark but a bit further away. The ultimate aim? A magnificent view of the night sky, uninterrupted by trees, hills, or light pollution.

For the best chances, recline to get a panoramic view of the heavens. The radiant point for the Perseids is the constellation Perseus, but meteors can appear all over the sky. Ensure to lay in complete darkness for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow your eyes to fully adjust. On a good night, expect to see around 100 meteors every hour!

Bonus sightings to add to your stargazing list:

  • The Big Dipper in the northwestern sky

  • A crescent moon visible just before sun rise around the peak dates

  • Saturn in the eastern sky a few hours after sunset, which will be spectacular in binoculars or a telescope especially since it's at 'opposition' later in August

  • Jupiter, appearing pre-sunrise and dominating the eastern sky around 1 am. Its bright moons are visible with basic equipment

  • The Milky Way, a clear band in very dark locations, prominent in the high eastern sky around 11 pm

  • Various stars and constellations identified using a sky map app. But use sparingly to preserve your night vision.

For a detailed, telescopic experience of all these celestial wonders and more, book a spot with Astrotours during the meteor shower peak. Reserve your spot here.







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