Community Corner

Saturn's Rings to Burst Forth for Stargazers, Backlit by the Sun on July 19

Stargazers will be able to see Saturn's rings very clearly for the first time since 2006.


Stargazers and astronomy lovers in Iowa City will be in for a treat on July 19 when Saturn is expected to be especially photogenic.

According to Corbis, the solar system will be backlit by the sun on Friday, making Saturn’s rings incredibly visible for the first time since 2006. NASA’s Cassini spacecraft will be taking photos of Earth as it looks from Saturn on Friday as well, Space.com reports. Although the spacecraft has taken images from Saturn before, this will be the first time the public has been notified in advance. 

Howard Cox, of the Iowa City Astronomy Club, has some experience as an astrophotographer. Questions on photography and viewing spots can be directed to the club at info@icastronomy.org. For more information about their events you can visit their website.

This Friday will unfortunately (for stargazing) be one of the few days of the week where there is a chance for rain in Iowa City. Thankfully the showers likely will be scattered, possibly allowing a view of Saturn and its rings.

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