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How to Distinguish Saturn From Stars Close By

Because Saturn is the most distant planet that can be seen without the use of binoculars or a telescope, it is fascinating to locate and observe. With the aid of magnification, the most distinctive object in the Solar System is an impressive sight to see. Since Saturn is a large planet with a massive set of rings, it is quite bright in the sky and easy to distinguish from nearby stars.

Things You'll Need

Sky map
Binoculars or small telescope

Instructions

- 1
  Confirm that Saturn is currently visible in the night sky. Due to the rotation and orbit of Earth, and that of Saturn, a line of sight to Saturn from Earth does not always exist at night. Use a sky map to find the current position of Saturn to make sure it is visible during night hours.
- 2
  Find a location to observe the night sky without light pollution. Light pollution is the term given to the collective amounts of artificial, manmade light scattered in the atmosphere. This light brightens the night sky, reducing the visibility of celestial objects. Light pollution is worse near urban areas, so if you live near the city, drive to a large park, or outside the city, to reach as dark a viewing location as possible.
- 3
  Locate Saturn on your sky map. Pay particular attention to its position relative to the brighter stars of the constellation it appears in. If, at the time of your observation, it does not appear in a constellation, note the bright stars in the nearest constellation to aid in your search.
- 4
  Identify Saturn in the sky. Saturn is typically brighter than any star around it, with the exception of Sirius and Canopus. Saturn appears pale to golden yellow among surrounding stars that usually appear white. Distinguish planets like Saturn by virtue of their non-flickering light source. Stars twinkle due to dust and particles in the Earth's atmosphere that interfere with their light. Planets appear as small disks, too large to be momentarily blocked by dust particles.
- 5
  View Saturn with a pair of binoculars or telescope. Saturn's brightness, color and lack of twinkling distinguish the planet from the stars around it, though magnification will confirm that you've identified it correctly. Using a pair of binoculars or a small telescope, look for Saturn's orbiting rings. Even when the planet's rings are flat viewed from Earth's perspective, Saturn's yellow disk shape will be surrounded by a thin line representing the orbiting rings. Even magnified, stars only appear as tiny points of light, if a bit brighter.

Astronomy