Starwatch: the sun sets, and out come the moon and Saturn

Moon and Saturn, Starwatch 3 Dec 2018

Between 8 and 10 December, the young moon will be close to the planet Saturn in the evening sky just after sunset. It will be a tough challenge to see this pair together but a beautiful sight if you manage it. Saturn is currently moving closer to the sun and will disappear into its glare by the end of the month. To prepare for your observation, find an unobstructed western horizon and wait for the sun to set. On these days, the sun will set at 15:52 GMT from London, 15:50 GMT from Manchester and 15:33 GMT from Inverness. Begin your search 45 minutes after this time, as Saturn and the moon will set about one and a half hours after the sun. The chart shows the view at 16:30 GMT on 9 December. It will be easier to see the moon on the following days as it will be both a larger crescent and higher in the sky. Once you have found the moon, look downwards to the right and the ochre spot of Saturn should be visible against the darkening sky between the planet and the horizon.