Category: Pencil

Hello,

Persistent cloudy, rainy weather here in the Appalachian Mountains has prevented me from seeing most of the best part of this Saturn apparition, but the clouds finally parted briefly earlier this month and allowed this view of the ringed world.

Because Saturn is now well past opposition it is lower in the sky at twilight and well down in altitude after dark, making good seeing imperative for a decent view. I was fortunate this evening because the air was fairly turbulent at sundown when Saturn was still above 30 degrees altitude but got steadier after dark, even though the planet was much lower.

Saturn’s rings are currently tilted at about 17 degrees which gives the observer a good view of the different rings and their features as well as the Cassini Division all the way around.

I got a good look at the North Polar Cap (NPC) but was unable to detect visually the distinct hexagonal shape visible in images.

Four moons were attending Saturn that I could see–Titan, Rhea, Dione, and Tethys. The fifth moon, Enceladus, was there too but hiding in the glare of the rings.

Saturn, among the most beautiful of celestial objects, was a pleasure to observe. There is still time to take in its beauty before the end of this apparition so good luck with the weather where you are!

I made this observational field sketch in my observatory using a template on white copy paper. Pencils used were 2B and HB graphite, charcoal (for the shadows), and a white Derwent Graphtint pencil (for the Crepe Ring).

Name: Saturn
Type: Planet
Location: Twin Sugars Observatory Friars Hill, WV USA
Date: July 19th, 2013

Clear skies,

Michael Rosolina