Venus can be seen at about 40° above the western horizon moving through the constellation Taurus (the Bull). Venus appears as the “Evening Star” throughout spring. Venus will be visible for about two hours after dark. It appears higher in the sky each night, and can be seen before the stars come out. Venus is the brightest object in the night sky except for the moon. Venus looks like a very bright white star.

Saturn can be seen very high in the southern sky in the constellation Leo (the Lion) in front of the backward question mark. Saturn can be seen passing through the southern sky into the western sky, setting before dawn. Saturn and its rings are great to view this month while it’s high in the sky. Saturn’s rings are tilted at more than 15°, but are slowly losing their tilt (when viewed from Earth) to a straight, edge-on view. Viewing the rings will be difficult for the next 5 years after they lose their tilt. Saturn looks like a very bright amber-colored star.

Jupiter can be seen rising low in the southeastern sky in the constellation Ophiuchus (the Serpent-Bearer.) Jupiter is the very bright object located northeast of the bright star Antares (Rival of Mars) in the constellation Scorpius (the Scorpion.) Jupiter rises around 1:00 a.m. early in April, but rises by 11:00 p.m. by the end of April. Jupiter reaches the southern sky before dawn, when it’s in the best position to view. Jupiter looks like a bright, yellow-colored star.

Mars can be seen rising in the east-southeastern sky shortly before sunrise passing through the constellation Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) toward Pisces (the Fishes.) Mars looks small and dim. It’s not good for viewing until late this year. Mars looks like a small, ruddy-colored star.

Mercury cannot be seen as it leaves the predawn sky and passes behind the sun moving through the constellation Pisces (the Fishes.) into Aries (the Ram). Mercury will be visible in the evening sky in May. Mercury looks like a small white star.