The observation and exploration of Saturn can be divided into three phases.
The first phase is ancient observations (such as with the naked eye), before the invention of modern telescopes.
 The second phase began in the 17th century, with telescopic observations from Earth, which improved over time.
 The third phase is visitation by space probes, in orbit or on flyby.
In the 21st century, telescopic observations continue from Earth (including Earth-orbiting observatories like the Hubble Space Telescope) and, until its 2017 retirement, from the Cassini orbiter around Saturn.
The observation and exploration of Saturn can be divided into three phases. The first phase is ancient observations (such as with the naked eye), before the invention of modern telescopes.  The second phase began in the 17th century, with telescopic observations from Earth, which improved over time.  The third phase is visitation by space probes, in orbit or on flyby. In the 21st century, telescopic observations continue from Earth (including Earth-orbiting observatories like the Hubble Space Telescope) and, until its 2017 retirement, from the Cassini orbiter around Saturn.
Saturn