Watching planets in the night sky is a very fun activity for hobbyists and researchers. Compared to star watching, planet watching will test the hobbyists’ skills in carefully locating the planet in the sky at the right time. Additional challenge for hobbyists is the fact that some planets can’t just be seen by the naked eye and requires a telescope just to see the planet at a certain time of night. Locating these planets could be a challenge but once they are located, their beauty could be seen from earth with the help of powerful telescope.

Planning and Research

If you want to observe a specific planet, you don’t just go out at night armed with a telescope hoping that you would catch one. Before you go out and observe the sky for a specific planet, you have to know its location based on your location on earth. Some planets are not visible at the specific time of the night but when they do, the will reveal more than just a spot in the night sky. The planets are visible during a certain period of time because the light from sun bounces at the planets. Be sure to consult with your local hobbyists on the exact time and date to observe the night sky if you want to catch a glimpse of a planet.

Venus and Mars

The most visible planet of the solar system in our night sky is Venus. Because of its closeness to earth, its light is the third brightest. Only the Sun and Moon could defeat the brightness of Venus from Earth’s perspective. All year long, Venus could be seen by the naked eye and it could be easily found because of its brightness. Mars is the next most visible planet. It can also be observed all year long and could be located at the lower right area of Venus. You’ll never miss it because of its reddish color.

Other Planets

Besides Venus and Mars, there are three other planets that could be seen by the naked eye: Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury. These three planets however, can’t be easily located unless you have a viewfinder and know when to look. Although these planets could be seen by the naked eye, Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury need a telescope to be fully appreciated. For example, the satellites of Jupiter and Saturn could be observed with the help of a telescope. On the other hand Uranus, Neptune and Pluto can’t be easily seen by the naked eye and will require a telescope for proper identification.

Software and Astronomy Maps

A good tool that will help any hobbyists in locating a planet is through the help of astronomy software and maps. Through these maps, a hobbyist should be able to locate planets easier. The software will even guide the hobbyist on the perfect time to observe a particular planet. There are astronomy software online that could be used for free which are very helpful in creating a plan on when will the planet be observed through the telescope.