The double star, Porrima, is a double star system located about
40 light-years away, relatively close to the Sun in the grand
scheme of things. The two stars orbit each other about every 170
years, and as they do so, the apparent distance that separates
them changes (from our Earth-bound point of view). Right now,
the two are well separated, meaning that with a telescope
pointed at Saturn you will see the two stars as distinct
objects. Only a few years ago, their alignment was such that you
would have needed a very powerful telescope to see the two stars
in the Porrima system as individual stars. Right now, if you put
Saturn into view in a small to medium telescope, you will also
get the Porrima system in your field of view as well. The
diagram (above) illustrates where to find Saturn and Porrima
over the next few days, and this article from Space.com also
provides insight and additional diagrams to help you see this
sight. So seize the moment and be an amateur astronomer for a
night, making a fun discovery f