Neptune is directly opposite the Sun tonight, rising when the Sun sets. As Neptune can be a challenge to spot, and is not visible at all to the naked eye, this may be your best chance to catch Neptune in your telescope or binoculars as its disc will be wonderfully lit up by our Sun to a magnitude of approximately 7.6.
Neptune will be at its highest point in our night sky around midnight the night of the 29th/morning of the 30th, regardless of your location. This may help in seeing Neptune's small blue disc as it will be above the more turbulent air near the horizon. Its exact moment of opposition will be at 14:18 UTC.
Neptune will be at its highest point in our night sky around midnight the night of the 29th/morning of the 30th, regardless of your location. This may help in seeing Neptune's small blue disc as it will be above the more turbulent air near the horizon. Its exact moment of opposition will be at 14:18 UTC.
Date: Friday, August 29, 2014