Uranus will be visible to the naked eye tonight as it hits ‘opposition’ with Earth – World News
The gassy planet was at its closest point to Earth – some 2.8 billion kilometres away – in its orbit last night and this evening
If you look in the eastern sky this evening, just above the horizon, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the seventh planet from the sun (
Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Tonight provides a rare opportunity for space enthusiasts to have a look at Uranus, which will be visible to the naked eye as a faint star.
The gassy planet was at its closest point to Earth – some 2.8 billion kilometres away – in its orbit last night and this evening.
It is expected to reach its peak brightness for the year over this period.
As it nears Earth, it hits what is called ‘opposition’, which means that from Earth, it will be directly opposite the sun and reflecting the most light possible.
If you look in the eastern sky this evening, just above the horizon, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the seventh planet from the sun.
Finding a viewing spot with as little light pollution as possible will make for a better outlook – though Bonfire Night celebrations could make this difficult.
For those with a telescope of a pair of binoculars handy, you should be able to see the planet as a pale blue-green colour, The Independent reports.
This is caused by the presence of methane in the atmosphere and the sun’s light shining on it.
The opposition of Uranus to Earth occurs annually, meaning you can also catch it next year on November 9
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Image:
SSPL via Getty Images)
The planet’s opposition to Earth coincides with a new Moon, which will make the planet appear even brighter.
Uranus has the kudos of being the first planet discovered in modern history.
It is the third of the gas giants and is third largest in diameter, and is unique thanks to its unusual tilt meaning it rotates on its side creating weird seasons.
Like other gas giants, Uranus has a hydrogen upper layer with a bit of hellum mixed in. Under that is an icy mantle, surrounding a rock and ice core.
Uranus is the third of the gas giants and is third largest in diameter
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Image:
Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The gassy beast is not the only planet set to reach opposition with Earth.
Saturn is set to be seen in place on August 14, 2022, while Jupiter is expected to reach opposition on September 26, 2022.
For those tied up with fireworks tonight, the opposition of Uranus to Earth occurs annually, meaning you can catch it again next year on November 9.
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