How to Observe Saturn

Observing Saturn Through Binoculars

• 1

  Find out when Saturn is at opposition.

  Every year, Earth is in a position between Saturn and the sun. This event is called opposition, and the time can be checked in a calendar.

  Opposition takes place between January and May.

• 2

  At opposition, Saturn is easy to observe since it is opposite the sun. Saturn rises in the east at sunset and sets in the west at sunrise. The dates for opposition are different for the Southern Hemisphere.

  At opposition, Saturn is physically closest to Earth. Thus, Saturn appears as large as is possible from Earth.

• 3

  Use the binoculars to find the constellation Leo.

  The Big Dipper is part of the constellation Ursa Major and it will guide you to find Leo. The Big Dipper looks like a saucepan or ladle and it consists of the seven brightest stars in Ursa Major. The pointers are two stars that form the end of the saucepan or ladle. If you follow the pointers downward you will find Leo. The North Star Polaris can be found if you follow the pointers upward.

  If you are observing Saturn between October and January, check which constellation that Saturn is in during that month. Find a suitable star close to Saturn.

• 4

  Look for a small and bright object.

  Saturn is visible about 30 minutes before sunrise or after sunset.

  When Saturn is at opposition it can be seen almost the whole night.

• 5

  Saturn rises about two hours before the sun from the end of September and after midnight in November. In December, Saturn rises before midnight.