As the farthest satellite in our solar organisation ( sorry , Pluto),Neptuneis a rare sight in the night sky . But if you want to see the methamphetamine hydrochloride giant in 2021 , look up on Tuesday , September 14 . On that date , Neptune will hit resistance , make it appear especially big and hopeful from Earth . Here ’s what you postulate to know to catch the event .
What Is Neptune at Opposition?
Oppositiondescribes a major planet ’s posture in telling to the sun and Earth . When Neptune perfectly aligns with these two bodies , it reaches opposition . The Earth fall in the middle of this conjunction , and from our satellite we can watch the sun ’s light amply illuminate Neptune ’s surface . The royal - drab dot is usually hide in the darkness of our solar system , but onSeptember 14it will be visible with the aid of binoculars or a telescope .
Neptune ’s opponent coincides with its perigee , or the point in its orbit when it comes closemouthed to Earth . So not only will the planet look relatively bright that night , but it will appear larger than common as well .
How to See Neptune at Opposition
Neptune will rise around sundown on September 14 , 2021 , and dip below the horizon close to dawn . At approximatelymidnightlocal time , it will be in its high point in the sky ’s dome . Around midnight is also when the quarter moon will set , get out behind dark skies and optimum screening conditions .
When searching for Neptune , look for Aquarius . The 8th satellite should appear directly in front of the water - bearer constellation and close to the star Phi Aquarii . Though Neptune will be seeable on September 14 , it will still calculate faint compared to the surround stars . Neptune is the only true major planet in our solar system that ca n’t be seen with thenaked eyeany meter of year . Bring some type of magnifying equipment to look for Neptune , and refer to a sky chart if you lose your bearings .
