Saturn can be seen in the southeastern sky after sunset in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden), shining brighter than its brightest star Spica, located about 15º southeast of Saturn. Saturn is visible almost all night, setting before dawn in the southwest. Saturn is best to view when it’s overhead after midnight. Saturn is the only planet visible after sunset in the evening sky. Saturn looks like a bright, golden-colored star.

Venus can be seen in the eastern sky before dawn passing through the constellation Pisces (the Fishes) into Aries (the Ram). Venus will appear lower every night as it moves closer toward the sun. Venus is called the “Morning Star” and will be the brightest object in the predawn sky (except for the moon). Venus passes Jupiter on May 11th. Venus looks like a very bright white star.

Mercury can be seen just below Venus in the southeastern sky before sunrise passing through the constellation Pisces (the Fishes) into Aries (the Ram). Mercury appears lower every night as it moves closer toward the sun and is much fainter than Venus. Mercury looks like a small white star.

Jupiter might be seen in the predawn twilight very low on the eastern horizon in the constellation Pisces (the Fishes). Jupiter will be rising earlier and reaching a higher point in the sky throughout the month. Jupiter looks like a very bright, yellow-colored star.

Mars can be seen better at the end of May but will still be difficult to see very low in the eastern horizon before dawn passing through the constellation Pisces (the Fishes). Mars is slowly rising higher every morning as it moves away from the sun. Mars looks like a ruddy-colored star.