Our cosmic journey took us to the gas giant Saturn, the second largest planet in our solar system and the sixth planet from the Sun. On average, Saturn is about 9 times the size of the Earth with an average distance of around 746 million miles away. It takes sunlight about 80 minutes to travel from the Sun to Saturn.
Interestingly, Saturn has the second shortest day in the solar system clocking in at 10.7 hours. However, one year on Saturn is approximately 29.4 Earth years. Here is another mesmerizing fact, while Earth has one moon, Saturn boasts 274 confirmed moons 😳. Say that out loud again! Yes that’s right, you heard yourself say it 🙂. But enough about those mind-blowing facts about this iconic gas giant. See here for more information on Saturn.
When I began this journey of exploring the night sky back in 2019, I was intrigued to see Saturn through a telescope and could not resist the urge to capture it. Of course I thought it was the most amazing photo I had taken to date, and it was impactful to me and others. The image below is my first capture in August 2019.
Well after a few years of learning more about astrophotography including the appropriate equipment and post-processing techniques, I was excited to give Saturn a “modern” try. The featured image is the result of a 3 and a half-minute video captured on 17 October 2026. In this image you can clearly see the gas bands and rings on and around the planet with the darker Cassini division (darker lines in the upper and lower sections of the ring).
Capturing Saturn on 17.10.2026
Overall, I found the results satisfying, serving as a thoughtful reminder of God’s mastery in His creation. During autumn nights, Saturn is visible to the unaided eyes, rising high after 10 p.m. within the constellation Cetus. Even a low-magnification telescope reveals the planet’s rings. Whichever way you choose to explore this cosmic beauty, remember to pause, look up, and experience an amazing Universe.
Gear: Celestron Edge HD8, ASI 120mc, iOptron HAE 18C mount
Exif: 3.5-minute video (.ser), exp. 1/30, f/10
Drexel, thank you for turning me on to your site and sharing that stunning picture of Saturn that you took from your home. Wow!! Just imagine…That glory is there for all of us to see if we just pause and take the time to look up. Well, with one look up at the sky last week I became a night sky enthusiast as well. There is so much to learn. The terminology seems a little over my head but maybe with your help I can learn more. Thanks again for sharing your love with the world.
Thank you very much. It’s a whole other world above us. Stay tuned 🙂