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
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.
