SATURN WATCH 2003 FAQ ( last updated on 6 Dec 2003 )
Important Disclaimer : The authors of this FAQ and SingAstro are *NOT* responsible for any direct or indirect consequences associated with the publication and use of this document. Also, *DO NOT* look directly into the Sun, with or without optical equipment. It can cause permanent blindness.
1.0 Understanding Saturn
Q1.1 : What is Saturn Watch 2003 ?
A1.1 : It is an astronomical event involving the planet Saturn which can be best observed in the evening on the 31st of December 2003 for this year.
Q1.2 : Why is it "best observed" on the evening of 31st December 2003 for this year ?
A1.2 : This is because at that time, Saturn will be closest to Earth for this year.
Q1.3 : What is the proper astronomical name for this event ?
A1.3 : Saturn Opposition.
Q1.4 : What is an Opposition ?
A1.4 : An Opposition is an astronomical positioning of 3 objects : our Sun, Earth and in this case, Saturn. They are positioned in a straight line with Earth positioned in the middle.
Q1.5 : What is the importance of an Opposition ?
A1.5 : The opposing object, in this case Saturn, is closest to Earth. Thus, Saturn looks biggest possible at this particular time of the year.
Q1.6 : How often does a Saturn Opposition occur ?
A1.6 : Approximately once every 1 year and 2 weeks.
Q1.7 : When was the previous Saturn Opposition ?
A1.7 : 17th December 2002.
Q1.8 : When will be the next Saturn Opposition ?
A1.8 : 13th January 2005.
Q1.9 : Does Saturn suddenly appear on 31st December 2003 and disappear on the very next night?
A1.9 : No. Saturn can be sighted over a period of a few months. Every night during this period, it will initially appear very low in the sky near the horizon. Gradually, it will moved to its highest position and then back towards the horizon until it is out of sight.
Q1.10 : How far is Saturn from Earth at its closest approach on 31st December 2003 ?
A1.10 : Approximately 1,200,000,000 km (1.2 billion km).
Q1.11 : How big is Saturn on 31st December 2003 as observed from Earth ?
A1.11 : Approximately _______ arcseconds. This means it is approximately 1/xxxx the width of the moon. (members please help).
2.0 Where to observe Saturn
Q2.1 : Which direction should I face to observe Saturn ?
A2.1 : Saturn will rise from the North East direction and set towards the North West direction.
Q2.2 : Where is the best location to watch Saturn ?
A2.2 : The darkest place you can find with as much unblocked sky-viewing space as possible. As the darkest place may not be the safest place, observers are highly encouraged in observe in groups of 2 or more. Due to possible cold weather, it may be advisable to bring extra clothing if you intend to observe outdoors.
Q2.2 : Parts of the sky at my observing location are blocked, am I still able to watch Saturn ?
A2.2 : Possible. As long as a relatively large area of the north eastern sky is unblocked at your observation location.
Q2.3 : My observation location is very bright, am I still able to watch Saturn ?
A2.3 : Possible. As long as your observing environment is dim enough to enable you to spot a typical bright star at night.
Q2.4 : Will the Singapore Science Centre organise a Saturn Watch event for the public ?
A2.4 : We do not know at this point in time. You may want to monitor their website for any official announcement, call them personally or monitor the local media for possible announcements. Their official website is at:
http://www.science.edu.sg/ssc/index.jsp
Q2.5 : Will your organisation (SingAstro) organise a Saturn Watch event for the public ?
A2.5 : If we do, we will announce it officially on this website :
http://www.singastro.org
Q2.6 : Can I organise a Saturn Watch event for the public ?
A2.6 : To the best of our knowledge, base on the recent Mars Watch 2003, you may do so without applying for any license or informing any authorities provided your observing session do not disturb the general peace and cause human traffic problems in your observation location.
If you intend to organise one, you are strongly recommended to seek the relevant authorities for clarification *BEFORE* the actual event. The rules and regulations may have change by now.
Q2.7 : I see people observing the sky at a public area with binoculars or telescopes. Can I just walk up towards them and use their equipment ?
A2.7 : If you want to use their equipment or join them observing the skies, you are strongly recommended to seek their permission politely. Just because they are observing in an public area does not necessary means they are obliged to "serve the public". They may prefer to observe alone or with a private group of friends or relatives.
If you are sincere and ask them politely, there is a good chance you will be allowed to join their observing session and use their equipment. Afterall, most amateur astronomers generally enjoy sharing their hobby with the public.
Q2.8 : I am allowed to join their observation session. What are the things I should take note of during my observation ?
A2.8 : The equipment can be very expensive or means alot to the owner. So please handle them with care. Here are a few important points to take note of :
a. Usually, the equipment is aligned to an object, for example, Saturn. Without touching any part of the equipment, simply looked into the eyepiece and enjoy the view.
b. Depending on the owner and the way you request help, they might be willing to explain to you what you are seeing, give you advise how to see better, let you operate certain parts of their equipment (e.g the focusing knob of the telescope)
c. Depending on the queue behind you and how long the owner has been "serving the public", please be considerate and do not hog the equipment or the owner's time for too long.
d. Show your appreciation to the owner after your observation session. For example, a simple "Thank you".
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