Mercury can be seen very low in the southwestern sky early in October for a short time after sunset just above the bright star Spica in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden). Mercury disappears by midmonth as it heads to inferior conjunction, passing between the sun and Earth. Mercury looks like a small white star.

Jupiter can be seen low in the southwestern sky after sunset 7° to the northeast of the bright reddish star Antares (the Rival of Mars) in the constellation Scorpius (the Scorpion). Jupiter is actually located in Ophiuchus (the Serpent-Bearer). Jupiter can be seen after sunset about 20° above the horizon at the beginning of the month, but only 12° above it by the end of October. Jupiter sets by 9:00 p.m. and is growing dimmer every night. Jupiter looks like a bright, yellow-colored star.

Mars can be seen rising before midnight in the east-northeastern sky in the constellation of Gemini (the Twins), moving through the legs of Castor. Mars is growing brighter and stays visible until dawn. Mars crosses high through the southern sky in the early morning hours and appears high in the western sky at dawn. Mars looks like a ruddy-colored star.

Venus can be seen in the east-northeastern sky before dawn in the constellation Leo (the Lion). Venus is located east of Regulus (the Heart of the Lion), moving farther east toward Virgo (the Maiden). Venus rises earlier every night and appears higher in the sky before dawn. Venus reaches its highest point in the eastern sky on October 28th. Venus will be the “Morning Star” through the end of the year. Venus looks like a very bright white star.

Saturn can be seen rising in the eastern sky in the constellation Leo (the Lion) just to the left or east of the bright star Regulus (the Heart of the Lion), the tip of the backward questionmark. Saturn can be seen earlier every night and appears higher in the sky by dawn. Saturn looks like an amber-colored star.