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How to Locate Saturn

Saturn and the Earth are separated by about 1.2 billion kilometers. Still, you are able to see Saturn in the night sky. Saturn is a "naked eye" planet, which means that it can be seen without the help of any device; however, using either binoculars or a telescope will give you a better view of the planet. You may not always be able to see Saturn, since it depends on several factors, including the clarity of the night sky. But with a little patience and preparation, you'll be planet-gazing in no time.

Instructions

- 1
  Choose the best time to view Saturn. The best times to view Saturn change each year. One way to find this time is to consult an online planet- or star-gazing calendar, such as the ones found at Scope City and Space.com.
- 2
  Find an unobstructed location from which to do your planet-gazing. A hill or a high-rise apartment are perfect. You may attempt to locate Saturn either from your window or outside.
- 3
  Prepare your equipment, if you are using any. Binoculars will help you find Saturn, and a telescope is better still. Set up your equipment well ahead of time so that you'll be ready to locate the planet when the time comes.
- 4
  Find a constellation map, and choose your viewing time from the list of dates found on the chart.
- 5
  Locate the constellation that will be nearest Saturn on the date that you will be searching for the planet. Once you have found that as a reference point, you are ready to look for Saturn.
- 6
  Look up at the sky, either with your naked eye, binoculars or telescope. Find the constellation that you are using as a reference point, then relative to it, locate Saturn, which will be bright and yellowish.

Astronomy