Mercury can be seen the first half of February low in the western sky after sunset in the constellation Aquarius (the Water-Bearer). Mercury reaches its highest point in the western sky on the 7th. Look about 7° to the lower right of the very bright Venus. Mercury appears lower every night and disappears by midmonth. Mercury looks like a small white star.

Venus can be seen as the “Evening Star” after sunset in the western sky in the constellation Aquarius (the Water-Bearer). Venus will appear higher in the sky each night. Venus can be seen before the stars appear. Venus looks like a very bright white star.

Saturn can be seen rising in the eastern sky in the constellation Leo (the Lion) in front of the backward question mark. Saturn reaches opposition (opposite the sun in our sky) on the 10th, and will be visible from dusk to dawn. Saturn is at its brightest of the year. Saturn and its rings are great to view this month when it gets high overhead. Saturn looks like a bright amber-colored star.

Jupiter can be seen rising in the early morning hours in the southeastern sky in the constellation Ophiuchus (the Serpent-Bearer). Jupiter is the extremely bright object located northeast of the bright star Antares (Rival of Mars) in the constellation Scorpius (the Scorpion). Jupiter will rise earlier throughout the month. Jupiter looks like a bright, yellow-colored star.

Mars can be seen rising in the southeastern sky after Jupiter in the constellation Sagittarius (the Archer), heading for Capricornus (the Sea-Goat). Mars isn’t very bright, but will brighten throughout the year. Mars looks like a ruddy-colored star.