Final answer:
Viewing Saturn's surface is difficult due to its thick clouds which obscure visibility. Infrared observations by spacecraft like Cassini can reveal some surface details by using wavelengths that penetrate the atmospheric clouds better.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is hard to view Saturn's surface because the planet is enshrouded in thick atmospheric clouds that are much deeper when compared to a planet like Jupiter. These deep clouds obscure direct views of Saturn's surface, making its appearance much blander and less discernible. Furthermore, Saturn's atmosphere consists of various gases that reflect and absorb sunlight differently, contributing to the difficulty of viewing its surface features.
Observing Saturn in different electromagnetic spectra can provide additional insights. For instance, through infrared observations, such as those conducted by the Cassini spacecraft, it is possible to see different characteristics. In an infrared image stitched together from 65 individual observations by Cassini, different wavelengths of reflected sunlight and emitted heat are assigned various colors, revealing features like Saturn's glowing south polar region. Saturn's rings are also distinctly visible in some infrared wavelengths.