How to See Saturn From the US

Select a spot on a deck or in your yard that is away from bright lights. If possible, drive outside of the city to an area with fewer artificial lights so that you can gain a better view of Saturn.

Set up a 2-inch or larger telescope and allow it to cool down (or heat up) until it obtains equilibrium with the outside air temperature. Place a yellow colored filter on the telescope lens to enhance Saturn's features, making it easier to see.

Understand that while Saturn can be observed with the naked eye and even better with a telescope all year round, the best month to view it as of 2011 is early April, because that's when Saturn will be closest to earth. That time is called opposition and it refers to the occasion each year when earth passes between Saturn and the sun; because both planets orbit the sun, the best time to view Saturn changes by about two weeks later each year (i.e., in 2012 late April is the ideal time to view Saturn; in 2013, it would be early May).

Face east with your back opposite the sunset. During April, and to a lesser extent in May and June, Saturn is in opposition (or opposite the sun in relation to earth) so looking opposite the sunset direction is the fastest way to locate the planet. Look for a bright yellowish-orange light to the left of the moon. That is Saturn. As the moon moves away from Saturn, observe the planet's rings and moons through your telescope.