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Enjoy the gas giants, Jupiter and Saturn, at opposition

Later this month stargazers are in for a treat, when two giants of the night sky, Saturn and Jupiter, both reach opposition within a week of each other. Around this time they’ll be close together, and at their highest and brightest in the sky. We’ve got all the essential details you need to make the most of this wonderful summer evening view in the Sky Guide from page 39; it’s a foretaste of December’s Great Conjunction, when these two gas giant planets will appear as one bright star to the naked eye.

Train a telescope on these worlds and you’ll reveal even more wonders: Saturn its majestic rings, and Jupiter its retinue of moons. Jenny Winder’s article on page 64 will really enrich your observations of the former, while Will Gater’s feature on page 26 will bring you up to date with the latest science from one of Jupiter’s most fascinating satelllites, the fiery Io.

Shortly after this issue goes on sale we also mark Asteroid Day

(30 June), and on page 56 you’ll find a special report from Sean Blair on the European Space Agency’s Hera mission, part of a joint endeavour with NASA to alter the orbit of an asteroid deep in space.

Don’t forget that our special subscription offer is still running. You can have your next three issues delivered to your door, without starting a Direct Debit, and still save on the price. If you’re happy to set up a Direct Debit you’ll make even more savings, and your first six issues will be just £9.99. Pick what works for you at www.buysubscriptions.com/ SKspring3 or call us on 03330 162 119 and quote the code ‘SPR3MPG, BBC Sky at Night Magazine’. See page 89 for more details.