Jupiter can be seen for a very short time in early December low on the southwestern horizon after sunset in the constellation of Ophiuchus (the Serpent-Bearer). Jupiter disappears in the sun’s glare before it passes behind the sun on December 23rd. Jupiter looks like a bright, yellow-colored star.

Mars can be seen rising at sunset in the east-northeastern sky in the constellation of Gemini (the Twins). Mars rises about 5 or 6 minutes earlier each night as it moves westward (retrograde) among the background of stars. Mars reaches opposition, or opposite the sun in our sky, on December 24th. Mars is at its brightest this month. Mars can be seen all night crossing high through the southern sky and setting in the western sky at dawn. Mars looks like a very bright, ruddy-colored star.

Saturn can be seen rising in the eastern sky in the constellation Leo (the Lion) just to the left (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 is growing dimmer every month. Saturn looks like an amber-colored star.

Venus can be seen rising in the eastern sky passing out of the constellation Virgo (the Maiden) and through Libra (the Scales). Venus shines brightly as the “Morning Star” all month. Venus is visible for about 4 hours passing high in the eastern sky before dawn. Venus looks like a very bright white star.

Mercury cannot be seen as it reaches superior conjunction, passing behind the sun as seen from Earth on the 17th. Mercury will return to the evening sky in January.