Saturn images one year apart.

This is a comparison of Saturn taken in April of this year and last year. The rings are opening up more every year until 2017. However Saturn will become an increasingly difficult target over the next few years as it will rise to a slightly lower maximum altitude as viewed from Ireland.

Brilliant images, John. You even have the Encke division in the 2014 photo.

It must be time for us all to have observations of Saturn.

Aubrey.

Thanks Aubrey,
If you can I recommend looking at Saturn on next Saturday night May 10th. That's the night of opposition. Saturn's rings will be far brighter that night than normal because of the Seeliger effect.
I looked at Saturn last night of opposition on April 28th last and the rings were really spectacularly bright.
Clear skies.