Dark Skies & Deep Space: Saturn at Opposition & Autumn Equinox

Experience the wonders of the September night sky. The ringed planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. It will be brighter than any other time of the year and will be visible all night long. This is the best time to view Saturn and its moons.  It is also the time of the Fall Equinox when we have nearly equal amounts of day and night. 

Bring your red-light flashlights and Join OSMP staff and partners from the Longmont Astronomical Society, DarkSky Colorado, and CU’s Fiske Planetarium for telescope viewing, expert interpretation, and skywatching tips for all experience levels. 

Together, we’ll explore: 

• September celestial highlights: Saturn, star clusters, and nebulae 

• Tips for observing under dark-sky conditions 

• What to watch for in the changing seasonal sky 

Telescopes are provided. Friends and Family event! All ages and experience levels are welcome. 

What to bring: 

• Red flashlight or headlamp – Helps preserve night vision (avoid white light) 

• Warm layers – Nights cool off quickly, even in summer 

• Blanket or camp chair 

• Water and snacks – Stargazing is better when you’re hydrated and happy! 

• Binoculars – Some deep space objects are better viewed with simple binoculars instead of large telescopes!