Tonight: Get the clearest, brightest view of Saturn in years

Saturn-watchers take note. Tonight is not only the best time to view the striking ringed planet in 2013, but experts say it's the best chance to get a clear, bright view from an Earth-based telescope in years.

This evening Saturn will stand "at opposition" to the Sun, meaning Earth is sitting almost perfectly in line between the Sun and the sixth planet in our solar system. Saturn will be only about 808 million miles from Earth tonight, making the planet appear as bright as nearby stars such as Betelgeuse. The apparent magnitude will be between 0.1 to 0.3.

Because of the opposition, Saturn will be visible throughout the evening when looking to the southeast, rising in the East and reaching its highest elevation at midnight. The planet will continue to appear in the night sky through much of May, but tonight offers the best viewing opportunity to see Saturn's marvelous rings. Through telescope, you'll also be able to make out many of Saturn's 60 moons, including Titan, Rhea, and Tehtys. Even the hexagonal cloud pattern surrounding its north pole should be visible.