Mars can be seen very high in the southwestern sky after sunset moving from the tips of the horns in the constellation Taurus (the Bull) into the feet of Castor in Gemini (the Twins). Mars isn’t very bright this month as it moves farther away from Earth. Mars looks like a golden orange-colored star.

Saturn can be seen high in the southern sky at sunset in the constellation Cancer (the Crab), located just west of the Beehive Cluster. Saturn appears very bright this month and is in a good position to view the rings. Saturn passes high through the sky and sets in the west before dawn. Saturn looks like a very bright amber-colored star.

Jupiter can be seen rising in the southeastern sky in the constellation Libra (the Scales). At the beginning of the month, Jupiter rises about 11:00 p.m. By the end of the month, Jupiter rises right after sunset. Jupiter is in retrograde motion, moving westward among the background of stars. Jupiter passes through the southern sky and can be seen in the southwestern sky at dawn. Jupiter looks like a yellow-colored star.

Venus can be seen before dawn shining brightly as the “Morning Star” in the eastern sky passing through the constellation Aquarius (the Water-Bearer). Venus is moving closer to the sun throughout the month, so it rises later every morning. Venus is the brightest object in the night sky except for the moon. Venus will return to the western sky after sunset by summer. Venus looks like a very bright white star.

Mercury can barely be seen as it reappears in the eastern predawn sky in the constellation Pisces (the Fish). Mercury reaches greatest western elongation and it’s highest point in our eastern sky at 28 degrees on April 8th. Mercury gets brighter throughout the month. Mercury looks like a small white star.