It is designed for the novice or intermediate amateur astronomer looking for a way to further their interest in the hobby. I've also thrown in a few tidbits here and there for the more advanced amateur. Start your journey by visiting The AstroLair Guide. From this starting point, you can select the most appropriate path, based on your interests and current level of experience. Now that they are past opposition, Jupiter and Saturn are putting on quite a show in the evening sky.
Many amateurs do most of their planetary observing when the planets are past opposition.
For the best view, you need to wait for the planet to rise at least 45 degrees above the horizon. It is a bit pale these days, but it will be unmistakable in a good telescope, under good seeing conditions. I have been observing Jupiter diligently since this past July. The planet's atmosphere has been very active during the past few months. There have been small ovals shifting position below the GRS, but you need a good telescope and a keen eye to see them.