Planets in the Night Sky – Your Stargazing Guide

The Greater Hazleton Area Astronomical Society

The night sky offers a stunning view of our solar system’s brightest worlds. This guide will help you spot visible planets in the night sky, understand their movement, and know the best times to observe them—no advanced equipment needed!

Mercury

  • Best viewed shortly after sunset or before sunrise

  • Often hidden in twilight, but visible a few times a year

Venus

  • Best viewed shortly after sunset or before sunrise

  • Often hidden in twilight, but visible a few times a year

Mars

  • Recognizable by its reddish glow

  • Best observed during opposition (about every 2 years)

Jupiter

  • Second brightest planet after Venus

  • Its four largest moons are visible with binoculars

  • Visible much of the year, usually rising in the east

Saturn

  • Famous for its stunning rings

  • A telescope reveals the rings clearly

  • Best seen in summer and fall evenings

Neptune

  • Dim and distant—require a telescope

  • Best viewed during opposition under dark skies

Uranus

  • Seventh planet from the Sun: Uranus orbits the Sun at about 1.8 billion miles (2.9 billion km) away.

  • Rotates on its side: Its extreme 98° axial tilt makes it appear to roll around the Sun.

  • Icy gas giant: Composed mostly of hydrogen, helium, and “ices” like water, ammonia, and methane, which give it a bluish color.

When to See the Planets

  • Use a planet visibility guide or stargazing app (like Stellarium)

  • Check planet rise/set times for your location

  • Join a local astronomy club like GHAAS to view them through telescopes during public events

community telescope night sky people

Stargazing Tips for Viewing Planets

  • Choose a night with clear skies and minimal moonlight

  • Get away from city lights to reduce light pollution

  • Let your eyes adjust for 20 minutes before viewing

  • Use a telescope or binoculars for closer planets

  • Track planets using mobile planetarium apps

Explore More

Ready to go beyond planets? Check out our guides on:

Want Hands-On Help?

Join GHAAS and attend our public telescope nights to get real experience with guided stargazing and astronomy education.

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