Planets

The Greeks called them planētēs meaning “wanderers”. From Earth the other planets of our solar system look like roaming stars, but thanks to telescopes and spacecraft we know these pinpricks of light are actually worlds unto themselves, many with moons just as fascinating as they are. Among the most brilliant objects in the sky, some can be a great place to start your observing journey. Imagine Galileo peering up at Jupiter through his small telescope only to find four moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto) orbiting around it, the first proof we did not live in a geocentric universe.

Here you’ll find observing guides for the other planets orbiting the Sun, from bright Venus and red Mars to kingly Jupiter and elegant Saturn. We have software tools to help you find which planets or moons are visible tonight, when, and where. And we have guides highlighting neat features to look for on the planets when you do nab them in a telescope.

47 results

Planets

Dust Storm on Mars

A large regional dust storm has enveloped several thousand square kilometers of the red planet and shows no signs of abating.

By: Paul Deans January 5, 2004

Planets

Mercury Transits the Sun

When this innermost planet passes between the Earth and the Sun on May 7th, it will appear as a tiny black "sunspot" in small telescopes.

By: Roger W. Sinnott November 7, 2003

Planets

Jupiter's Moon Dances

Every six years, for a few months at a time, Jupiter's satellites engage in a wonderful variety of alignments. They're starting up again.

By: Jean Meeus July 31, 2003

Planets

An Observer's Guide to Mars

In 2001 the red planet swung closer to Earth than it had since 1988. It'll be even better in 2003. Here's an observer's guide from the 2001 opposition to whet your appetite for 2003.

By: Daniel M. Troiani July 31, 2003

Planets