Not only does this present prime viewing for amateur astronomers, but it will provide researchers further opportunity to observe a bizarre geometric structure recorded in Saturn’s atmosphere—a decagon centered on the planet’s south pole. This recent discovery came nearly half a century after a similar 18,600-mile-wide hexagon had been discovered encircling Saturn’s north pole.
Scientists believe these phenomena have been caused by currents confining powerful atmospheric waves, and the wave in the southern hemisphere appears to be gaining momentum. Being at its closest point to Earth, opposition provides researchers with a valuable opportunity to observe the gas giant’s peculiar atmosphere.
The giant hexagon at Saturn’s north pole as captured in 2013 by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft. Around this structure, winds are believed to blow at over 300 mph.Photograph: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute
At the end of the month, the moon will pass close by the Pleiades star cluster. The Pleiades have been the subject of stories in many ancient cultures, perhaps because these bright stars can be observed from almost anywhere in the world.
The best time for viewing the Pleiades in proximity to the moon is the evening of October 27 into the morning of October 28. Look toward the east and wait for the moment when the moon and the cluster rise high in the sky. With the naked eye, you may see what appears to be a faint cluster of six to seven stars. Since this occurs just after the full moon, the cluster may at first be difficult to see, but you’ll be able to observe it more clearly with binoculars or a telescope.