Mercury can be seen for a short time low in the southwestern sky early this month after sunset in the constellation Scorpius (the Scorpion), near its bright star Antares (the Rival of Mars). Mercury reaches its highest point in the western sky on the 3rd, although it’s still very close to the horizon. Mercury will be lost in the sun’s glare at the end of the month. Mercury looks like a small white star.

Venus can be seen after sunset in the western sky passing through the constellation Sagittarius (the Archer). Venus reaches elongation (its highest point in the western sky) on the 3rd and will remain visible until 8:00. Venus will show dichotomy (half-lit face) that day and a few days before elongation. Venus is the “Evening Star” this month. Venus looks like a very bright white star.

Mars can be seen low in the eastern sky after sunset in the constellation Aries (the Ram), just west of the Pleiades star cluster. Mars is opposite the sun in our sky on the 7th. Mars is in the east at sunset, in the south at midnight, and in the west before sunrise. Mars is excellent to view this month. Mars is at its brightest for this year and for the next 12 years! Mars won’t be as bright again until 2018. Mars looks like a pumpkin-colored star.

Saturn can be seen rising in the eastern sky around midnight in the constellation Cancer (the Crab), southeast of the Beehive cluster. Saturn rises earlier and grows brighter every night. Saturn is great to view this month, along with its rings and moons. Saturn passes high through the southern sky throughout the night, and can be seen in the western sky by dawn. Saturn looks like a bright amber-colored star.

Jupiter can be seen about midmonth as it returns to the southeastern predawn sky in the constellation Libra (the Scales), west of the bright star Spica in Virgo (the Maiden). Jupiter rises earlier and moves higher in the early morning sky every night. Jupiter appears very bright this month, which makes it easy to find. Jupiter looks like a yellow-colored star.