The night sky is an ever-changing showcase that allows you to observe many types of celestial objects. You can see the stars, the constellations, the Moon, the meteors and sometimes even the planets. With the naked eye you can see five planets thanks to their brightness: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. These are visible for most of the year, although in some periods they are too close to the Sun to be noticed; also, you won't be able to see them all together in one night. The time you can spot them varies each month, but there are some repetitive patterns that allow you to observe them at night.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Know What to Look for
Step 1. Distinguish the stars from the planets
The latter are generally much brighter. They are also closer to Earth, so they look more like a disc rather than a bright dot.
Step 2. Look for the bright planets
While the period may be favorable for observation, it may be difficult to identify planets that are not among the brightest. Jupiter and Saturn are always the easiest to spot.
Step 3. Learn the colors
Each planet reflects sunlight differently, so you need to know what color to look for in the night sky.
- Mercury: This planet emits an intermittent shimmer of a bright yellow color.
- Venus: Often confused with a UFO, because it appears as a large silver disk.
- Mars: the red planet.
- Jupiter: This shines all night by emitting a white light. It is the second brightest celestial body in the night sky.
- Saturn: is a small yellowish-white planet.
Part 2 of 3: Search in the Right Spot
Step 1. Learn how light interferes with observing the sky
It is easier to watch the stars and planets at night if you live in a rural area. If you live in the city, you will have a lot of difficulties due to light pollution. Try to find an area away from artificial lights reflecting off buildings.
Step 2. Look for celestial bodies in the right sector of the sky
Planets rarely appear close together in the firmament. For this reason, it is vital that you know where to look. A simple way to find them is to look for them as part of a constellation.
- Mercury: It is visible near the Sun. You can't see it most of the year because it blends with the glow of the Sun, but it becomes visible again in mid-August.
- Mars: Look for it in the morning, low on the horizon. It usually moves east.
- Jupiter: it is always very far from the Sun.
- Saturn: Search the constellation of Libra to find this bright planet.
Step 3. Consider your position on Earth
Planets have a period of visibility, but in the northern hemisphere this falls in the early hours of the night, while it occurs later in the southern hemisphere. When documenting your visibility periods, you also need to consider where you are on Earth.
Part 3 of 3: Search at the Right Time
Step 1. Identify the visibility period of the planet you want to observe
This indicates the time when the celestial body is visible in the sky and could last a few weeks or even nearly two years. You can find this information in any astronomy book or manual.
Step 2. Know the exact time
Most of the planets are visible when the sky becomes dark (sunset) or when it begins to lighten again (sunrise). However, you may be able to observe them even in the middle of the night. You will have to wait when it is very late and the sky is really dark.
Step 3. Learn when planets are visible each night
Check the data of the period of visibility with the time when they appear in the firmament to understand what is the best time to observe the celestial bodies of your choice.
- Mercury: This planet is visible several times in a year. This year it can be observed in September and December.
- Mars: The early morning sky will show you this planet. From the month of August it begins to move in the upper part of the sky and continues to move for the rest of the year. As it rises, its light becomes brighter.
- Jupiter: the best time to observe it is just before the aurora. Read this article for some more information.
- Saturn: look for it at dusk. This planet makes its appearance in the November night sky and remains visible in the morning sky towards the end of the year.
Advice
- Prepare properly; if it's not summer, wear warmer, thicker clothes than you think is necessary.
- Move from places with high light pollution. Rural areas are best for stargazing.
