That's an interesting point. I do like the cropped version but the pic with Saturn is appealing for me because the heavens darken and appeals to me more. The cropped version has a different dynamic because the skyline is appears brighter without the balancing darker heavens. If you're not against it, why not try a graduated filter to bring down the exposure of the horizon and perhaps bring in richer colors?
Just a thought. I'd be very happy with either version.
Sorry, I was talking about using a graduated filter in LR or PS, something in post. Just starting at the horizon and working up to try and bring in rich colors.