DeKALB | Two “dots” in the massive night sky are currently more visible than usual.

Physics professor Suzanne Willis – an avid sky watcher – said Jupiter and Saturn have been visible since the start of the semester.

These are currently the best months to see one of the biggest planets in our solar system.

“The giant planet can be seen in the eastern night sky at around 9 p.m., where it can be seen halfway up from the horizon, near the constellation Leo,” said Willis, who also teaches an elementary astronomy course.

Saturn reached opposition on Feb. 10 when it began to rise at sunset and set around dawn.

In 2009, the ring system will be edge on with Earth, meaning the rings will be completely invisible while viewing Saturn. It won’t be as bright as it is this year again until 2015 due to slight dimming as the ring tilt becomes more narrow and Saturn’s distance from Earth increases.

Jupiter has also been viewable recently. The gas giant looks like an intensely-bright cream-colored star, shining brighter than anything else in the night sky. At the moment, though, the planet will only be viewable when it’s just rising in the southeastern sky at 4 a.m., Willis said.