Saturn at Opposition: Saturn Takes Centre Stage in Our Night Skies this September

This month, skywatchers in Singapore can look forward to the best opportunity of the year to view the magnificent ringed planet, Saturn, when Earth passes between Saturn and the Sun.

Saturn will reach opposition on 21 September, and will be illuminated brightly, making it the best time to observe the planet. On that night, Saturn will be best viewed after 8.30pm – a steady golden “star” glowing in the night sky.

Saturn at Opposition Pixabay Image credit: Pixabay

No special equipment is needed to enjoy the view, though binoculars or a telescope will reveal even more detail, including Saturn’s iconic rings and possibly some of its moons.

While The Observatory at Science Centre Singapore will not be holding a dedicated viewing session on 21 September, the public can look forward to an upcoming Astronomy Open House on 3 & 4 October, held in conjunction with Lights by the Lake at Jurong Lake Gardens. Visitors can enjoy complimentary telescope stargazing, including views of the Moon and Saturn (weather permitting), as well as live digital planetarium shows, hands-on activities for young astronomy enthusiasts, and more!

About Planet Oppositions

1. What is a planet opposition?

In our Solar System, an opposition occurs when Earth lies directly between the Sun and another planet/planetary body, forming an imaginary straight line connecting all three.

Saturn Opposition taking place 21 September

1. What does it mean when Saturn is in opposition?

Saturn will reach opposition on 21 September, with Earth passing between Saturn and the Sun. At opposition, Saturn will be illuminated brightly, making it the best time to observe the planet.

2. When will the Saturn opposition take place?

Saturn at Opposition will take place on 21 September, and is best viewed after 8.30pm.

3. What can we expect to see?

When Saturn is in opposition, it will shine at its brightest for the year. Visible all night long, the planet will rise at sunset and set at sunrise, appearing as a steady, golden “star” to the naked eye.

4. When will Saturn reach opposition again?

Saturn oppositions are approximately 378 days apart, hence the next opposition will occur in October 2026.

5. How can I get the best view of this occurrence in Singapore?

Observers should seek darker locations such as parks, beaches, reservoirs, or open spaces away from city lights. Singapore’s weather conditions and frequent cloud cover can also affect visibility of this occurrence. As such, observers should also check the weather forecast for clear skies.

6. Is any special equipment required to view this?

No special equipment is needed – Saturn will be visible to the naked eye at opposition, appearing as a steady golden point of light. However, binoculars can enhance views of the planet, giving Saturn a slightly oval shape, while a telescope may reveal its iconic rings and even some of its moons.

7. Will the Observatory at Science Centre Singapore hold a viewing session for the Saturn opposition?

The Observatory at Science Centre Singapore will not be holding a specific viewing session for Saturn at Opposition. However, the Observatory will be holding an Astronomy Open House on 3 & 4 October, in conjunction with Lights by the Lake, which is organised by NParks. Visitors can enjoy complimentary stargazing on both evenings – a chance to admire the Moon and Saturn through telescopes, weather permitting.

The Astronomy Open House will also feature a special live digital planetarium show – Fly to the Moon, taking audiences on a virtual journey to the Moon and back. Shows run every half hour from 7pm to 10pm (with the last show at 9.30pm), and complimentary tickets will be available for collection in person at The Observatory from 6.30pm onwards.

In addition, young guests can also participate in a mid-autumn edition of the I am a Young Astronomer Young Scientist Badge activities at both The Observatory and the Water Lily Pavilion at Jurong Lake Gardens.

For more information, visit here.

This article is The Observatory at Science Centre Singapore

Mid-Autumn Festival falls on 6 October this year. Remember to check out our list of Best Mooncakes and Best Bak Kwa in Singapore 2025.

Looking for what to do during the Mid-Autumn Festival? Read Mid Autumn Festival 2025.