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Saturday

Earth reaches aphelion today at 12:34 BST (11:34 UT), the position where our planet is at its greatest distance from the Sun for the year, at 152,095,295km. The Sun also shows the smallest apparent diameter at this time.

Family friendly

Objects marked with this icon are perfect for showing to children

Naked eye

Allow 20 minutes for your eyes to become dark-adapted

Photo opp

Use a CCD, planetary camera or standard DSLR

Binoculars

10x50 recommended

Small/ medium scope

Reflector/SCT under 6 inches, refractor under 4 inches

Large scope

Reflector/SCT over 6 inches, refractor over 4 inches