Starwatch: how to spot Saturn as it makes it closest approach to Earth this year

The planet looks like a moderately bright, creamy-white object and is easily visible to the naked eye This week offers an excellent opportunity to track down Saturn.

The giant planet, situated about 10 times further from the sun than the Earth, reached opposition on 4 October. In this configuration, Earth is passing almost directly between the planet and the sun. This makes opposition an excellent time to see a planet:…