Tonight, Saturn, the sixth planet from the Sun in our solar system, will be the closest it gets to our home planet this year. However, the Moon is not staying behind and will make its nearest approach to the Earth on the following Wednesday. This celestial ballroom dance will present a breathtaking spectacle for observers on our blue planet.
According to Suparerk Khaehanon, the director of communications for the institute, this cosmic alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Saturn, will bring the gas giant a mere 1.31 billion kilometres close to our world. This might sound like an astronomical number, but in the grand scheme of cosmic distances, it’s like having your neighbour over for tea.
If conditions are favourable, and the sky presents a clear canvas, Saturn should be discernible to the unaided eye from the eastern regions of Thailand. This mesmerizing view will be available from sunset on Sunday until dusk on Monday, illustrating that astronomical wonders are not confined to the late hours of night. Suparerk added that those armed with a telescope could aim it towards Saturn to get a closer look at its famous rings and moons.
Come Wednesday through Thursday morning, another celestial event will dazzle our nighttime skies. The moon, our steadfast lunar companion, will snuggle up to the Earth at a ‘mere’ distance of 357,334 kilometres, resulting in the second blue moon this month. To the delight of lunar enthusiasts, this close visit will cause the full moon to appear approximately 7% larger and around 15% brighter than usual. In the words of our celestial narrator, Suparerk, peak visibility for this astronomical showpiece will occur in the East, shortly after 6 pm.
For those intrigued by the machinations of our cosmos, the institute extends an open invitation to witness these awe-inspiring events at its four major observatories. These places of cosmic divination include the Sirindhorn Astronomical Park nestled in the Mae Rim District of Chiang Mai, along with the observatories beautifully situated in Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, and Chachoengsao.
For those unable to attend in person, the institute assures that no one need miss out on this mesmerizing spectacle. Both events will also be live-streamed on its Facebook page, so gather your friends and family, pop some popcorn, and settle down for a front-row seat at this astounding cosmic ballet!
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