We captured this image of Saturn overnight September 7-8, 2021, which was just over a month passed Saturn's opposition. In this image it is very apparent that Saturn's 26.7° axial tilt, is quickly receding from our point of view. This is due to Saturn's position in relation to the Sun in its 30 year orbit. As we catch up every year, we see Saturn's tilt at a progressively different angle. Also note that Saturn is casting a shadow on the rings to the back left of the planet. This is due to our view of Saturn being from a different angle than sunlight shines on the planet. Which progresses more dramatically before and after opposition. The visible gaps in the rings are the Cassini Division, which is the more noticeable, followed by the Encke Gap, which is the outer and more faint of the two visible. Saturn will be visible after sunset well into the autumn season in 2021, so stop in a and catch a view.
Image Credit: Frosty Drew Astronomy Team member Scott MacNeill