Jupiter can be seen low in the southwestern sky after sunset 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 sets earlier every night; 2½ hours after sunset at the beginning of the month and only an hour after sunset by the end of the November. Jupiter is difficult to view through our turbulent atmosphere. 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). Mars rises about 8:30 at the beginning of the month and by 6:30 at the end of November. Mars doubles in brightness this month. Mars crosses high through the southern sky in the early morning hours and appears in the western sky at dawn. Mars looks like a ruddy-colored star.

Saturn can be seen rising in the eastern sky in the constellation Leo (the Lion) just to the left, or 8° east, of the bright star Regulus (the Heart of the Lion), the tip of the backward questionmark. Saturn rises around midnight and appears high in the southern sky by dawn. Saturn looks like an amber-colored star.

Venus can be seen rising in the eastern sky about 1½ hours after Saturn passing through the constellation Virgo (the Maiden). Venus shines brightly as the “Morning Star” all month and slowly moves away from Saturn. Venus is visible for about 4 hours, passing high in the eastern sky before sunrise. Venus looks like a very bright white star.

Mercury can be seen for about 1½ hours before sunrise in the eastern sky moving through the constellation Libra (the Scales). Mercury is at its best for viewing early this month, but disappears in the sun’s glow by the end of November. Mercury looks like a small white star.