Venus can be seen in the southwestern sky after sunset passing from the constellation Capricornus (the Sea Goat) into Aquarius (the Water-Bearer). Venus will appear higher in the sky throughout the month. Venus shines brightly as the “Evening Star” during the first half of the year. Venus looks like a very bright white star.

Saturn can be seen rising in the eastern sky right after Venus sets in the constellation Leo (the Lion). Saturn is located to the right or east of the Sickle, shaped like a backward questionmark. Saturn’s rings and the northern polar region are good to view when it passes overhead. Saturn is visible almost all night, as it heads toward opposition in February. Saturn looks like a very bright golden-colored star.

Mercury can be seen at the end of January very low in the southwestern sky in the constellation Aquarius (the Water-Bearer). By the end of the month, Mercury can be seen just below Venus for a short time after sunset, passing within 7° of Venus. Mercury looks like a small white star.

Jupiter can be seen rising about 4:00 a.m. in the eastern sky in the constellation Ophiuchus (the Serpent-Bearer), just 5° from the bright star Antares (the Rival of Mars) in Scorpius (the Scorpion). Jupiter is bright and rises earlier each night. Jupiter can be seen high in the southern sky before sunrise. Jupiter looks like a yellow-colored star.

Mars can be seen rising in the southwestern sky before dawn as it moves into the constellation Sagittarius (the Archer). Mars will not be good to view until later this year. Mars looks like a small ruddy-colored star.