SUNSET: 
Jupiter's Not-So-Great Red Spot
Astronomers don't know why Jupiter's iconic Great Red Spot has been gradually shrinking since the 1800s — or why the downsizing has accelerated during the past two years. Update: On May 15th, NASA released newly taken images of the Great Red Spot (at bottom below) to show its declining size…
Uranus and Neptune in 2014
Uranus and Neptune are easy to find with the aid of the charts in this article.
Jupiter Facts: Big, Bright, and Beautiful
The King of Planets reached opposition in the first half of January but it's still big and bright, a captivating sight no matter how you look at it.
Viewing Saturn: The Planet, Rings and Moons
Viewing Saturn is an old favorite for every telescope user. Here's a guide to seeing all that you can see on the ringed planet.
A Saturn Almanac
Spectacular Saturn is a perennial favorite of telescope users everywhere. Click here to find printable data on the positions of Saturn's rings and planets.
A Big, Bright, and Beautiful Jupiter
The "King of Planets," which will dominate the evening sky from late 2011 through early 2012, is a captivating sight no matter how you look at it.
Erratum: Jupiter's Moons for May 2008
The Galilean-satellite events published in Sky & Telescope's May 2008 issue are incorrect. Here's the correct listing.
Mercury, Messenger, and Observers
As the first images are released from Messenger's flyby of the innermost planet, previous ground-based observations are proving to be surprisingly accurate.
Catching the Messenger of the Gods
Mercury is a rewarding challenge for planetary astrophotographers, as this amazing image by Massachusetts amateur John Boudreau demonstrates.
Finding Uranus and Neptune in 2006
Binoculars and our charts are all you need to spot these twin outer planets.
Phenomena of Jupiter's Moons
Virtually any telescope will show Jupiter's four Galilean satellites and their interesting interactions with the planet or its shadow.
A Guide to the Moons of the Solar System
Not so long ago, astronomers thought only a few dozen moons orbited the planets of our solar system. Today, the total count tops 170!
Jupiter: The Ultimate Observing Guide
Viewing the solar system¹s largest planet can be more than fun — even with a modest telescope, you can make observations of lasting scientific value.
Mercury in the Morning
Amateurs are observing this elusive planet more successfully than ever before; try spotting it yourself.
A Mars Record for the Ages
On August 27, 2003, at 9:51 Universal Time, the centers of Earth and Mars will be only 34,646,418 miles apart. Has Mars ever been this close before?
Mars at Its All-Time Finest
Never before in human history has such a golden opportunity to observe the red planet presented itself, so make the most of it with our Mars observing guide for 2003.
The Martian Moons in 2007–08
If you've never spied Mars's two satellites, Phobos and Deimos, the end of 2007 is your best chance for a long time. You'll need a big telescope — and you'll need to know exactly where to look.
Uranus and Neptune in 2005
From now to year's end, our finder charts will help you locate Uranus (in Aquarius), Neptune (in Capricornus), and Pluto (in Ophiuchus).
The Moon Meets Jupiter and Venus
The crescent Moon joins Jupiter and Venus in the east at dawn to create a beautiful scene on November 9th and 10th.
Five Planets In a Twilight Sky
Until early April, all five planets that are ever visible to the unaided eye shine at once during dusk.
