Venus can be seen at about 40° above the western horizon moving through the constellation Taurus (the Bull) into Gemini (the Twins). Venus appears as the “Evening Star” throughout spring. Venus will be visible for about three and a half hours after dark. It can be seen before the stars come out. Venus is the brightest object in the evening sky except for the moon. Venus looks like a very bright white star.

Saturn can be seen very high in the southwestern sky in the constellation Leo (the Lion) in front of the backward question mark. Saturn can be seen passing into the western sky and setting before dawn. Saturn and its rings are great to view this month while it’s high in the sky. Saturn’s rings are tilted at more than 15°, and the planet casts a shadow on the southeastern side of the rings. Viewing the rings will be difficult for the next 5 years after they lose their tilt and appear edge-on, practically disappearing from Earth’s view. Saturn looks like a very bright amber-colored star.

Jupiter can be seen rising low in the southeastern sky about three hours after sunset in the constellation Ophiuchus (the Serpent-Bearer.) Jupiter is the very bright object located northeast of the bright star Antares (Rival of Mars) in the constellation Scorpius (the Scorpion). Jupiter is the brightest morning object in the sky unless the moon is out. Jupiter reaches the southwestern sky before dawn. Jupiter looks like a bright, yellow-colored star.

Mars can be seen rising in the east-southeastern sky shortly before sunrise in the constellation Pisces (the Fishes.) Mars looks small and dim. It’s not good for viewing until late this year. Mars looks like a small, ruddy-colored star.

Mercury can be seen very low in the west-northwestern sky by midmonth in the constellation of Taurus (the Bull), after passing behind the sun as seen from Earth on May 2nd. Mercury can be seen to the north or right of Aldebaran (the Eye of the Bull) passing into the horns of the Bull through May. Mercury looks like a small white star.