Saturn takes center stage tonight on its opposition date, when the planet sits opposite the Sun in our sky. (In-The-Sky.org)

• Saturn: Look east after dark and toward the south later in the night. You can find it as a bright, star-like point without equipment; use a telescope to see more than a point. It stays available for much of the night, so choose a comfortable window rather than rushing outside at one exact minute (In-The-Sky.org).
• A Moon-free evening: Near Allentown, sunset is about 6:38 PM Eastern. The Moon does not rise again until 1:14 AM Monday, October 5, leaving the earlier evening free of moonlight. Give yourself a relaxed look around before that late arrival (Allentown sunset table; Allentown Moon table).

Bonus: Orionids and Southern Taurids are active, but neither is near its listed peak tonight. Treat any meteor as a bonus rather than expecting a busy display (Royal Observatory).

Moon note: Waning crescent, with the next rise at 1:14 AM Eastern on October 5 near Allentown (phase calendar; Allentown Moon table).

Enjoy a little time under the sky, and join the free NOOMMED newsletter for your next backyard outing.