you can drive or walk to somewhere with a clear view south and west, try to get there in the next few days.

I'm in northern New Mexico where I almost always have clear skies, and I've been watching these planets for a week or more now. In fact, I didn't realize Saturn was visible until talking two nights ago with my astronomer son.

I can't tell the difference between a planet and a star. Growing up in NW India, on summer nights, always cloudless, there were a million shiny objects in the sky, and only ones I recognized was the north star and its 6 companions because they showed up in the same formation all the time. Wish I had a basic telescope there.

As a child I lived in northern New York State and had very clear skies. Even when I'm living in big cities I try to see what I can.

Several years ago I did the adult astronomy camp at the University of Arizona which was absolutely fabulous. My astronomer son did the teen camp three times: one beginning camp and two advanced camps. He is my go-to person for all of my many questions about astronomy and cosmology and whatever.

Actually, a decent pair of binoculars can be immensely helpful. The big problem with a telescope is that unless you get one with a motor that keeps it pointed at the exact same planet or star or whatever, anything you are looking at will very quickly drift out of your field of view.

I did have a very good one for many years in USA. But my parents in India could not afford a good one. I am not exaggerating how many more stars were visible from our 3rd floor terrace where we slept during summers to enjoy the wonderful breeze and listen to rustling of leaves on tall trees.

Congrats to your son for interest in Astronomy. It is a most fascinating universe out there!

He's currently in a PhD program at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA in that field. To say he's happy there doesn't even begin to cover it. Every time I speak with him he practically giggles with joy. After various academic stumbles and setbacks, he is finally where he should be.

Reflected light versus refracted light.

Not sure if the north star twinkled, though. But I am going back decades ago, so have no exact recollection.

During the talk leading up to the show. I loved that place.

https://www.amnh.org/our-research/hayden-planetarium

one's the brightest, one's the second brightest and one is bright and red haha

Saturn not so much for me.

Probably a goof Binocular might make them visible?

that if you know where to look, on a good night binos are all you need to make out the rings (or the Galilean moons of Jupiter).

Very much enjoying my holiday away from city lights.
During the day the republican climate annoys me, but at night the stars and planets make it all worth while.