Oppositions of Saturn until 2037
Dates are in Universal Time. The distance is the one at the instant of opposition. In this list the closest opposition is that of December 24, 2032, at 8.032 AU.
| Opposition | Constellation | Distance | Kilometres | Closest to Earth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pisces | 8.326 AU | 1,245.5 million km | ||
| Aries | 8.228 AU | 1,230.8 million km | ||
| Aries | 8.144 AU | 1,218.4 million km | ||
| Taurus | 8.081 AU | 1,209.0 million km | ||
| Taurus | 8.043 AU | 1,203.2 million km | ||
| Gemini | 8.032 AU | 1,201.5 million km | ||
| Gemini | 8.048 AU | 1,204.0 million km | ||
| Cancer | 8.092 AU | 1,210.5 million km | ||
| Cancer | 8.159 AU | 1,220.6 million km | ||
| Leo | 8.247 AU | 1,233.7 million km |
What happens at opposition
At opposition the Earth passes between Saturn and the Sun: the planet is opposite the Sun in our sky. It rises around sunset, is highest around midnight and sets around sunrise, so it is visible all night.
It is also the time of year when Saturn is nearest and brightest, and when its disc is largest in a telescope. The good observing season lasts for several weeks on either side of the date.
Oppositions come back after one synodic period, the time Earth needs to catch up with the planet again. Around each opposition the planet moves retrograde for a few months.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next opposition of Saturn?
The next opposition of Saturn is on October 18, 2027, in 339 days, in Pisces. Saturn will be 8.326 AU from Earth (1,245.5 million km, 773.9 million miles).
How often is Saturn at opposition?
The next ones are on October 18, 2027, October 30, 2028, November 13, 2029 and November 27, 2030. The interval is the synodic period of Saturn.
Is Saturn closest to Earth on the day of opposition?
Within a few days of it. The closest approach is slightly offset from the opposition because the orbits of Earth and Saturn are ellipses; the table gives both dates.