Jupiter: As the year starts, Jupiter is visible in the east during the wee hours. It reaches opposition on April 11 and it’s very well placed for evening viewing in May and June. By August it sinks into the west at twilight and then disappears behind the Sun. It returns in the dawn sky in December, but it’s not well placed of observing until well into next year. Unfortunately for northern hemisphere observers, Jupiter is starting to plunge southward, across Virgo.

The year, we’re looking from a direction about 3° south of the plane of Jupiter’s equator. At that angle, Callisto passes below Jupiter’s south pole as it passes behind the planet and the other half of its orbit, Callisto and its shadow pass above Jupiter’s north pole. The other moons all get eclipsed by Jupiter and its shadow and they (as well as their shadows) all pass in front of Jupiter. This handy Jupiter's Moons link from Sky & Telescope Magazine will guide you to the moons and what they’re doing tonight.

As always, look for the zones and belts. Even when its color is subdued, you should look for the Great Red Spot in the southern equatorial belt within an hour or so of when Jupiter’s rotation brings it towards us (this handy Red Spot transit times link, also from S&T Magazine will tell you when to look).

Jupiter location - 2029
In 2029, Jupiter is in Virgo.
In 2029, look for Saturn in the western part of Taurus.
Saturn location - 2029

Saturn: In 2029, Saturn is at opposition on November 12. It’s visible before dawn by late June and two months later it rises before midnight. In December it’s well placed at the end of twilight.

Saturn opposition at 2029
We see the rings wide open, (we’re about 22° south of their plane), so Cassini’s Division should be easily visible even in a small telescope. Despite the increased glare from the rings, make sure to look for Saturn’s dimmer moons. To know where they are on any night, consult this useful Saturn's Moons link to from Sky and Telescope to keep track of them (they also have a handy mobile app).