Many amateur astronomers - but also veterans - agree that Saturn is the most beautiful bright spot on our celestial sphere. After watching its reproduction through various images, watching it live is an incredible sight. This is not the easiest planet to observe in a night sky filled with beautiful stars, but learning more about Saturn's orbit will help you find good vantage points, pinpoint its location, and make it easier for you to find it.. Start from the first step for more detailed instructions.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Knowing the Orbit of Saturn
Step 1. Learn the connection between Saturn and the Earth's rotation
The Earth revolves around the Sun in a year, while Saturn takes about 29 and a half years to complete its revolution. Saturn is visible for at least one period of each year as the Earth passes between Saturn and the Sun. Depending on the time of year and the reciprocal position of the planets, Saturn may be easier or harder to see in the night sky.
Step 2. Find the future path of Saturn
If you want to spot Saturn, it would be difficult to just point the telescope at the sky and start scanning it blindly. You need to know where to look, as well as what to look for. Consult a map of the stars that shows the path of Saturn, and choose a time when it is near a recognizable constellation.
- As of 2014, Saturn can be observed near the constellation of Libra, after which it will move towards that of Scorpio. In May 2015, Saturn will begin to turn back, which means it will move east to west, close to Libra again. It could be a first opportunity to observe it.
- Over the next ten years, Saturn will constantly move east in the northern hemisphere sky, through Capricorn.
- At some time in 2017, Saturn will become invisible from Earth, as it will be too close to the Sun to be observed.
Step 3. Choose a date when Saturn will be "opposite" to the Sun
Opposition refers to the projected point where Saturn will be closest to Earth and brightest in the sky. This happens approximately once every 378 days. During the period of opposition, Saturn will be visible south of the northern hemisphere, and north of the southern hemisphere, most observable around midnight (local time). The opposition dates from 2014 to 2022 are:
- 10 May 2014
- 23 May 2015
- June 3, 2016
- June 15, 2017
- June 27, 2018
- 9th July 2019
- July 20, 2020
- 2 August 2021
- August 14, 2022
Method 2 of 3: Locate Saturn
Step 1. Locate the constellation closest to Saturn's current position, so that it can be used as a reference point
When you have an idea of the path of Saturn, you will first need to identify a constellation to use as a starting point from which to begin your search. Basically, you will have to familiarize yourself with the constellation closest to Saturn, and then use a map of its position, in order to find the exact point to look at, in relation to that star.
- In 2014, that constellation will be Libra, while in January 2016 it will be directly north of the star Antares, in the constellation of Scorpio. You can check out Saturn's path here:
- If you are observing during an opposition date, point your telescope south.
Step 2. Look for a spot of golden color that shines steadily
Saturn is famous for its yellowish-golden color and does not have that typical shimmer of stars. Since Saturn is a planet, it may not be as bright or as readily identifiable as many stars, as it does not glow. Use your constellation as a reference point and look for a color difference.
Step 3. Use a telescope
Even if Saturn is visible to the naked eye, it is a shame not to be able to appreciate its characteristic rings, which are visible with a simple telescope. Using this tool will make the job much easier, and Saturn will appear in a distinctly different shape than other celestial bodies.
If you have a powerful telescope with a yellow filter, this will help isolate particular light in Saturn's spectrum, making it easier and more pleasant to look at
Step 4. Look for dark corners
When you observe it through the telescope, the planet is obscured by the shadows of the rings, which give it an almost three-dimensional appearance and an oblong shape.
Step 5. Check the rings
If you have a telescope powerful enough to observe the rings, you will find that they look flat, but give a rounder shape and a marble texture to the planet. You should also be able to distinguish between the A (outer) and B (inner) ring belts, which are in all likelihood the most outstanding thing to look at in the sky.
Step 6. Check the moons
In addition to its famous rings, Saturn is also recognizable by the presence of numerous satellites, which are often visible in front of the planet, if the observation conditions are good and if you use a sufficiently powerful telescope. There is also a dedicated application.
Method 3 of 3: Observe Properly
Step 1. Familiarize yourself with basic astronomy
You don't have to observe anything in particular to begin with, but it does help you develop some familiarity with the major constellations and star maps.
Step 2. Get out of the city
If you live in an urban environment, it is important that you move away from light pollution, which makes the night sky invisible even to good enough spotting scopes and spotting scopes. Find a good vantage point, or join other amateur astronomers or associations in your city to get advice that may be useful to you.
Step 3. Observe the sky on starry nights
There is nothing more frustrating than packing all the equipment, checking the star maps, putting the hot chocolate in the backpack and then… poof! notice that the clouds are coming. Make sure you have chosen a night with ideal weather conditions, and with a relatively clear sky. Keep track of the climatic paths during the times of the year when you want to observe the constellations or planets.
Step 4. Start with the binoculars
Binoculars are a good starting point for an amateur astronomer. If you don't have access to a telescope, use any old pair of binoculars. They are simple tools, and they often turn out as good as cheap telescopes.
- Once you are comfortable observing objects in the night sky and want to up the ante a little, consider investing some money in a good quality telescope. Also consider sharing the expense with other astronomers, and sharing their use.
- To observe Saturn, a simple telescope should be more than enough for a beginner. If you want something more refined, NexStar produces programmable telescopes that track celestial objects for you, and whose price range is around 600 euros; a professional Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope costs around 1000 euros instead. Get something that meets your needs and budget.
Step 5. Visit an observatory in your area
Astronomers are an enthusiastic group, often excited to share their knowledge. There is nothing better than learning from experts, especially if you want to find celestial objects with as many variables as Saturn.
- Check their calendar and plan a visit during a particularly good time for observing something that interests you, and then use the techniques and advice they offer you in future observation sessions.
- If you want to make a pilgrimage, the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles is probably the most famous observatory in the United States, while the Yerks Observatory in Wisconsin and the McDonald Observatory in West Texas are valid alternatives in other regions of the country.
