What Planets Are Visible Today? November 9–15, 2026 Guide
Want to know which planets are visible tonight? Here’s a weekly guide to the visibility of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Below, you’ll find which planets can be seen now, when to look for them, and how to identify them in the sky.
👉 To locate each planet from where you are, open the free Star Walk 2 app and use the Planet Walk mode.
Contents
- What Planets Are Visible Tonight? November 9–15, 2026
- Best Dates for Watching Planets: November 9–15, 2026
- Night Planets: Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune
- Morning Planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter
- What Is the Bright Dot Before Sunrise?
- Planets Visible Tonight FAQ
- Tips on How to See the Planets: Bottom Line
What Planets Are Visible Tonight? November 9–15, 2026
Saturn is an easy evening target, while Venus, Mars, and Jupiter are visible before sunrise. Mercury becomes a more promising morning target later in the week, especially from northern and tropical latitudes. Uranus and Neptune are also in the night sky, but binoculars or a telescope are needed to find them reliably.
By the weekend, observers with a clear horizon at favorable northern and tropical locations can look for four morning planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter. Mars and Jupiter form a close pair, while Mercury and Venus lie much farther away along the sky’s broad planetary arc.
| Observing details | Mercury | Venus | Mars | Jupiter | Saturn | Uranus | Neptune |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| When to look | Morning twilight | Before sunrise | Before dawn | Before dawn | Evening | Late evening | Evening |
| Viewing method | Naked eye in favorable conditions | Naked eye | Naked eye | Naked eye | Naked eye | Binoculars or telescope | Binoculars or telescope |
| Magnitude | 0.8 | −4.7 | 0.7 | −2.1 | 0.5 | 5.6 | 7.7 |
| 60–66°N | Extremely low | Very low | High | High | Moderate | High | Moderate |
| 50–60°N | Very low | Low | High | High | High | High | High |
| 40–50°N | Very low | Low | High | High | High | High | High |
| 30–40°N | Very low | Low | High | High | High | High | High |
| 10–30°N | Very low | Moderate | High | High | High | High | High |
| 10°N–10°S | Very low | Moderate | High | High | High | High | High |
| 10–30°S | Extremely low | Low | High | High | High | High | High |
| 30–40°S | Extremely low | Low | High | High | High | High | High |
| 40–50°S | Not visible | Very low | Moderate | Moderate | High | Moderate | High |
| 50–60°S | Not visible | Extremely low | Very low | Very low | High | Low | —¹ |
How to read the table: The height categories are a midweek snapshot for November 12, 2026, calculated for the middle latitude of each band at longitude 0°. Conditions can vary within each band, especially near its boundaries, and throughout the week. Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter are evaluated at the start of morning civil twilight, with the Sun 6° below the horizon. Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are evaluated near their highest point during the night of November 12–13. The Sun must be below −6° for Saturn, −12° for Uranus, and −18° for Neptune.
Note:
- Extremely low: 0–5° above the horizon
- Very low: 5–10° above the horizon
- Low: 10–20° above the horizon
- Moderate: 20–30° above the horizon
- High: more than 30° above the horizon
- Not visible: no practical observing window; the planet remains below the horizon or is lost in the Sun’s glare.
¹ At 55°S, the midpoint used for the 50–60°S band, the Sun does not reach 18° below the horizon on the night of November 12–13. No Neptune height is listed under the table’s darkness criterion. This does not mean Neptune stays below the horizon; persistent twilight makes it a harder target. Conditions differ across this latitude band.
Quick regional notes
The main differences between regions concern the twilight planets and the height of Mars and Jupiter before dawn.
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Northern Europe: Saturn is a good evening target, while Mars and Jupiter are well placed before dawn. Venus is becoming prominent in morning twilight. Try Mercury later in the week with an unobstructed horizon; it stays lower at higher latitudes.
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Southern mid-latitudes: Saturn is well placed at night. Venus, Mars, and Jupiter are the more accessible morning planets. Mercury remains very low in bright twilight, so a complete four-planet view is difficult. Farther south, short nights and persistent twilight also limit observations of faint planets.
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Tropics: Mars and Jupiter are well placed before dawn. Venus is bright and easy to identify when the sky is clear. Mercury becomes a realistic addition toward the weekend, but needs a low, unobstructed horizon.
Planets visible tonight from the US
Across the contiguous US, Saturn is an easy naked-eye target after dark from November 9 to 15. Mars and Jupiter are better targets before sunrise. Try Saturn about 1–2 hours after sunset, or the two morning planets about an hour before sunrise. By November 14–15, try adding Venus and Mercury about 45–60 minutes before sunrise. Venus is much brighter and higher than Mercury. A clear horizon is essential for Mercury.
Moonlight this week
New Moon occurs on November 9 at 07:02 UTC, which is still November 8 in parts of the Americas and the Pacific. The Moon then returns to the evening sky as a waxing crescent, becoming thicker and setting later each night.
The beginning of the week offers the darkest evening conditions for Uranus and Neptune. Later in the week, wait until the crescent Moon has set for the darkest view; at some southern locations, that may mean observing after midnight. Saturn remains bright enough for useful observing even with the Moon above the horizon.
Learn more: Moon Phase Calendar: What Phase Is the Moon In Right Now?
Best Dates for Watching Planets: November 9–15, 2026
The highlights are Venus near Spica, the return of Mercury, and Mars closing in on Jupiter. Clear mornings near the weekend offer the chance to combine several of these targets in one session.
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November 9, before sunrise: Venus near Spica. The brilliant planet passes about 1.2° from Virgo’s brightest star. Start with Venus, then look for much fainter Spica nearby. Both fit easily in a binocular field, but the star is more easily lost in bright twilight. Northern and tropical observers have the better view; from southern mid-latitudes, the pair remains lower.
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November 9–11, after dark: use the dark evenings. The Moon contributes little evening light around New Moon. Try viewing Neptune after astronomical twilight ends, or Uranus later in the evening as it climbs higher. Far-southern locations may lack a fully dark sky.
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November 14, before sunrise: an early look at the four-planet alignment. Mercury joins Venus, Mars, and Jupiter in the morning sky. From northern and tropical latitudes, start about 45–60 minutes before sunrise. Mercury is the lowest and most difficult member of the lineup; southern mid-latitudes have a much poorer view of it.
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November 15, before dawn: Mars and Jupiter close together. The planets are about 1.2°–1.3° apart, roughly two and a half apparent Moon diameters. Their conjunction in right ascension occurs on November 15; the smallest separation, about 1.2°, follows on November 16. Both mornings offer a fine naked-eye or binocular view, so choose clear skies rather than waiting for the exact moment.
For local observing windows, see our November planetary alignment guide and Mars–Jupiter conjunction guide.
Night Planets: Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune
Saturn is the easiest of these three planets to identify without equipment. To locate Uranus and Neptune, use an astronomy app and take advantage of the darker evenings at the beginning of the week.
Saturn: an easy evening target
Saturn remains well placed in the evening after its October 4 opposition. It is above the horizon after sunset and available for much of the night from many locations. It shines at about magnitude 0.5 and looks like a yellowish point of light.
For telescope views, observe in the late evening, when Saturn is higher, rather than immediately after sunset. For example, a good 75–80 mm telescope at about 50× magnification can show Saturn’s rings and its largest moon, Titan, when the air is steady. This week, Saturn’s rings are tilted by only about 7° to our line of sight, so they appear relatively narrow. Don’t expect them to look as wide as in many familiar images. Moonlight does not prevent a useful view of the planet and its rings.
Uranus: a late-evening target for binoculars
Uranus shines at about magnitude 5.6 in Taurus. Binoculars can show it as a faint point; a telescope can reveal its small blue-green disk. It remains roughly between Aldebaran and the Pleiades.
Choose a late-evening window after Uranus has climbed well above the horizon. Early in the week, moonlight causes little interference; toward the weekend, wait until the waxing crescent Moon has set. Northern and tropical observers see Uranus higher than observers at far-southern latitudes. Use Star Walk 2 to identify the planet’s exact position.
Neptune: optical aid required
Neptune is in Pisces and remains well placed in the evening sky. At magnitude 7.7, it is too faint to see with the naked eye. Binoculars can reveal it as a faint point under good conditions; a telescope is needed to resolve its tiny disk.
Saturn can guide you to the right area: the planets are about 7° apart this week, which is less than the width of a clenched fist held at arm’s length. For a darker view, wait until astronomical twilight has ended, when the Sun is at least 18° below the horizon. The beginning of the week is the better choice for a moon-free evening session.
Morning Planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter
Mars and Jupiter are well placed before dawn from northern and tropical latitudes. Venus is the brightest morning planet. Mercury is improving quickly, but its low altitude makes a view of all four planets much more dependent on location.
Mercury: returning before sunrise
Mercury is emerging into the morning sky after its November 4 inferior conjunction. It brightens rapidly, from about magnitude 2.4 on November 9 to 0.0 on November 15. The early-week view is still difficult; the weekend is a better choice.
Northern and tropical latitudes offer the better conditions. At the start of civil twilight on November 14, Mercury is about 9° high in London and 10° in New York, but only 2° in Sydney. Try about 45–60 minutes before sunrise from favorable locations. For an easier opportunity, its greatest western elongation on November 20 is still ahead.
Venus: a bright morning target
Venus is becoming a prominent morning target after its October 24 inferior conjunction. It brightens from about magnitude −4.6 on November 9 to −4.8 on November 15 as its separation from the Sun increases.
Try about 45–60 minutes before sunrise. A clear horizon still helps, especially farther south: at the start of civil twilight on November 15, Venus is about 17° high in London, 20° in New York, and 13° in Sydney.
Venus remains near Spica in Virgo throughout the week, with the closest approach on November 9. The planet easily outshines the star. For a first attempt, use the naked eye while the Sun is still below the horizon; never sweep near the Sun with binoculars or a telescope.
Mars: visible before dawn
Mars is visible before sunrise from November 9 to 15, with the best views from northern and tropical latitudes. It shines at about magnitude 0.8–0.7 and is noticeably fainter than Jupiter. Its reddish color helps distinguish the two planets.
Mars is in Leo. Use Jupiter as a guide: the gap between them narrows from about 2.9° on November 9 to 1.3° on November 15. Compare the view on several mornings at the same interval before sunrise to see Mars closing in on its brighter neighbor.
Mars remains much lower before dawn from far-southern latitudes. Through a telescope, its disk is still only about 6.9″–7.1″ across, so its color and changing position are easier to appreciate than fine surface detail.
Jupiter: a bright morning target
Jupiter shines at about magnitude −2.1 in Leo and rises earlier each day. It is well placed before dawn from northern and tropical latitudes and lower from mid-southern locations.
For a clearer telescope view, wait until Jupiter has climbed higher rather than observing it just after it rises. A pair of 10×50 binoculars on a tripod or a small telescope can reveal its four largest moons as tiny points of light nearby. Not all four are visible at every moment — some can be hidden by the planet.
What Is the Bright Dot Before Sunrise?
Venus is the brightest planet in the morning sky this week, while Jupiter is the bright point close to reddish Mars. Mercury is much fainter than Venus and lies lower in twilight. The answer depends on the time, date, and location; brightness and lack of twinkling are useful clues, not proof of identity.
How to Find and Identify Planets in the Sky
Most novice astronomers believe that astronomy is an expensive hobby requiring a fancy telescope. But the irony is that beginner-level astronomy is not only inexpensive but actually free.
Five planets — Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn — can be seen with the naked eye, often even from a city. Equipment only deepens your experience; it’s not required to recognize the dots in the sky. In the next few minutes, you’ll learn exactly how to find solar system planets tonight.
Look for bright dots
Venus and Jupiter are usually the brightest dots in the sky, easily visible to the naked eye; Mars sometimes outshines stars, too. Bright planets may even look larger than stars because their intense light creates a noticeable glow. So, if you see an exceptionally bright dot in the sky, there’s a good chance it’s a planet.
Astronomers use a magnitude scale to measure an object’s apparent brightness. On this scale, brighter objects have lower or even negative numbers. For example:
- Sun: about mag −26.7
- Full Moon: about mag −12.7
- Sirius: mag −1.46 (the brightest star in the night sky)
Unlike stars, the brightness of planets changes depending on their position relative to Earth and the Sun. Here are the magnitude ranges for the solar system planets:
- Venus: from mag −4.9 to −3.0
- Jupiter: from mag −2.9 to −1.7
- Mars: from mag −2.9 to 1.9
- Mercury: from mag −2.5 to 7.2
- Saturn: from mag −0.5 to 1.2
- Uranus: from mag 5.4 to 6.0 (usually requires binoculars)
- Neptune: from mag 7.7 to 8.0 (requires binoculars or a telescope)
Check if it twinkles
Stars usually twinkle, while planets shine more steadily. This happens because stars are way more distant and therefore appear as point-like sources of light. Moving pockets of air in Earth’s atmosphere continually bend their light, causing rapid changes in apparent brightness, color, and position. Planets are much closer and therefore appear as tiny disks, so these atmospheric distortions tend to average out and their light usually looks steadier.
But twinkling is only a clue — not a 100% reliable test. A planet can twinkle noticeably when it is low above the horizon, where its light travels through more atmosphere, or when the air is especially turbulent. A star high in the sky may appear relatively steady.
For the full explanation of why stars twinkle, see our detailed article.
Look for planets near the Moon
One of the easiest ways to locate a planet is to use a bright guide that everyone can easily find in the sky — the Moon. Each month, our natural satellite passes close to planets in the sky — astronomers call this a close approach. So, a bright, non-twinkling “star” near the Moon may be a planet!
To find out when a planet will next pass near the Moon, check our regularly updated article.
Aim for planetary pairings or planetary alignments
From time to time, planets appear very close together in the sky. A bright planet can become your guide to a fainter one, like when Venus passes close to Uranus. But when both planets are bright, it becomes a spectacular sight to the naked eye.
Even more striking are planetary alignments, when several planets are visible in our sky at the same time. They may span a broad arc rather than cluster tightly, but alignments still offer a good opportunity to find several planets in one observing session.
The next planetary alignment occurs in November 2026. Before sunrise, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter will gather in the sky.
Learn more: Planetary Alignment in November 2026
To find planets, look along the Sun’s path
Mercury and Venus always stay relatively close to the Sun in the sky, so you’ll usually find them near the horizon around sunrise or sunset.
Moreover, all the planets stay close to the ecliptic — the Sun’s apparent yearly path across the background stars. Determining the ecliptic in the sky correctly is difficult, especially for a novice stargazer. You can see it in most astronomy apps or a software program. It is drawn as an arc across the sky.
Planets are “wanderers”
Another way to confirm whether you are looking at a planet or a star is to observe its position over several successive nights. You’ll see how the positions of the planets change relative to the backdrop of the fixed stars from night to night.
Use an interactive star map
After you’ve practiced spotting planets on your own, an app can confirm your finds. The free Star Walk 2 app features a Planet Walk mode that highlights every planet and makes it easier to distinguish them from stars. Simply open the Menu, choose Planets, then tap Planet Walk. You’ll get a live map with every planet highlighted, plus a bottom panel that lets you jump straight to each planet.
If you’d like alternatives, try Night Sky, SkySafari, or Stellarium. Some apps are entirely free; others require payment upfront, and many offer extra features via in-app purchases. For a quick comparison of what each app offers at no charge, see our article about Top Astronomy Apps 2026.
Planet-by-Planet Observing Tips
Mercury: the elusive planet
Mercury is an inner planet that orbits closer to the Sun than Earth. This means that in our sky, this planet is never far from the Sun; the maximum distance between them ranges from 18° to 28°. In astronomy, this is called a greatest elongation, and it’s often the best time for viewing inner planets. Counting both eastern and western elongations, Mercury reaches greatest elongation six or seven times per year.
To find Mercury, look low on the western horizon just after sunset or low in the east just before sunrise. To find out whether it is currently a morning object, an evening object, or not visible at all, check the free Star Walk 2 app that shows the daily visibility of the planet.
A small telescope will reveal Mercury’s tiny disk and its phases — just be sure the Sun is fully below the horizon before aiming your optics. Never point an unprotected telescope, camera, or binoculars at the Sun because it can cause instant, permanent blindness and/or damage your equipment.
Mercury is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most surprising planets in the solar system. Take the quiz and see how much you really know about this mysterious small planet!
Venus: the evening and morning star
Venus is the brightest planet you can see with the naked eye. Blanketed by highly reflective clouds, Venus appears exceptionally bright in our sky, visible even in daytime around its peak brightness.
By the way, like the Moon, Venus goes through phases and reaches peak brightness while appearing as a crescent. As Venus approaches Earth, its apparent size increases, but the illuminated portion of its disk becomes smaller. The balance between these two effects makes the planet brightest during its crescent phase. You can easily see the phases of Venus through a small telescope; high-powered, steadily mounted binoculars may also reveal its crescent.
Like Mercury, Venus is an inner planet and also never appears very far from the Sun in our sky. For comparison, Mercury’s maximum apparent distance from the Sun is about 28°, while Venus can reach about 48°. Outer planets can appear 180° from the Sun at opposition.
Venus is the brightest planet in the sky. When it appears close to the Moon — the brightest object in the night sky — they create a stunning sight, even in light-polluted city skies. To find the next Moon–Venus pairing, see our regularly updated article.
Because Venus is so brilliant, many people mistake it for an airplane — or even a UFO. However, people in general have a rich imagination and often mistake many objects for aliens. Check out our infographic to see some man-made objects that have been mistaken for UFOs!
Mars: the red planet
Mars’ rusty glow makes it hard to miss — even from a brightly lit city. Its apparent brightness changes with its position in the solar system, peaking at opposition, which occurs roughly every 26 months when Earth passes directly between Mars and the Sun.
Around its next opposition on February 19, 2027, Mars will reach its peak brightness and largest apparent size. By July 2027, it will be about nine times fainter, and its apparent diameter will be only about 40% of what it was around opposition.
Binoculars show Mars as a reddish point of light; a telescope is needed to clearly resolve its disk.
Want to take a closer look at Mars? Of all the planets, it’s considered the best suited for colonization. Take our quiz to find out how much you know about the planet where your descendants might live!
Jupiter: the largest planet with visible moons
Jupiter is the biggest planet in our solar system and one of the brightest objects in the night sky. After Venus, Jupiter is usually the brightest planet in the sky, although Mars can occasionally outshine it near a favorable opposition. The planet is easy to spot with the naked eye, binoculars, or a small telescope. Jupiter will become brighter by the end of 2026 as it approaches opposition on February 11, 2027.
Even a small telescope or a pair of binoculars lets you feel like Galileo Galilei as you observe Jupiter and its four largest satellites — Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto — known as the Galilean moons. To locate them, try the Star Walk 2 app (requires an in-app purchase for this object type) or the Sky Tonight app, where all space objects are available for free.
In the Northern Hemisphere, Jupiter can sometimes be mistaken for Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. From December to March, Sirius is prominent in the evening sky across most northern latitudes, so it’s no surprise that some confuse these two bright dots. But don’t make the same mistake and remember: stars generally twinkle more strongly, while planets shine more steadily. Besides, Sirius lies far from the ecliptic.
To see the Great Red Spot — a vast storm on Jupiter — use a telescope at roughly 100× magnification or more, wait for steady atmospheric conditions, and check that the spot is facing Earth at the time of observation.
As you know, Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. But just how big is it? How many Earths would fit inside this gas giant? Take our quiz and find out!
Saturn: the golden king of the rings and moons
Saturn glows with a distinctive yellow-gold hue that makes it a standout even to the naked eye. To find it, look for a steady yellowish point of light (fainter than Venus or Jupiter).
With any small telescope, Saturn’s famous rings are usually unmistakable. With suitable magnification and good atmospheric conditions, you may also see the Cassini Division — the dark gap between the planet’s two brightest rings. When Saturn reaches quadrature — when it’s 90° from the Sun — you can even spot the planet’s shadow cast onto its rings.
Through a telescope, you can also glimpse Titan, Saturn’s brightest moon. With larger apertures, additional moons — Rhea, Dione, Tethys, and Enceladus — come into view, each appearing as a tiny, steady point of light close to the planet.
We think that the true king of the rings and moons hides many secrets that you definitely don’t know yet. Take this quiz to prove us wrong!
Uranus: a pale blue dot
Uranus is extremely faint to the naked eye, and it's difficult to see without binoculars. Even through a small telescope, it appears as a tiny, pale blue circle that blends into the background stars. Under clear, dark skies — Bortle 4 or darker — observers with excellent eyesight may just detect it with the naked eye if they know its exact position.
Uranus is easiest to locate when it lies near a bright reference object, like the Moon or Venus. Keep in mind, though, that the nearby Moon can easily wash out Uranus’s faint glow.
Most amateur telescopes cannot resolve Uranus’s rings or atmospheric details. However, medium to large instruments may reveal the planet’s two largest moons — Titania and Oberon — as faint, separate points of light.
Neptune: the farthest planet from the Sun
Neptune is the most challenging planet to observe. You need binoculars or a telescope to locate it. Sometimes, when Neptune is near a bright planet, you can use that planet as a guide to find Neptune. Its rings and atmospheric details are beyond the reach of visual observers using amateur telescopes. With a medium-to-large telescope and excellent viewing conditions, you may be able to discern Neptune’s color and glimpse its largest moon, Triton, as a faint point of light.
Planets Visible Tonight FAQ
Which planets are visible tonight?
From November 9 to 15, 2026, start with Saturn after dark or Venus, Mars, and Jupiter before sunrise. Mercury becomes easier to spot later in the week from northern and tropical latitudes. Uranus and Neptune are also accessible with optical aid when the sky is dark enough. A clear view of all four morning planets is much harder from southern mid-latitudes because Mercury stays very low.
Why don’t planets twinkle like stars?
Planets usually shine with steadier light than stars because they are much closer to Earth and appear as tiny disks rather than pinpoints. If a bright object near the ecliptic does not twinkle much, it may be a planet.
Can I see Uranus or Neptune with the naked eye?
Uranus is technically visible to the naked eye under very dark skies, but it is extremely faint and easy to miss. You’ll need excellent observing conditions and a clear idea of exactly where to look. Neptune is too faint to see with the naked eye and requires binoculars or a telescope.
How do I know if I’m looking at Venus or Jupiter?
Venus is usually much brighter than Jupiter and often appears low above the horizon shortly after sunset or before sunrise. Jupiter is also very bright, but it can stay visible for a longer part of the night and may appear higher in the sky, depending on the season. Both shine with a steady light and don’t twinkle much like stars.
To identify them with certainty, point your phone at the object using Star Walk 2.
Why does planet visibility depend on my location?
Planet visibility depends on your location because the sky looks different in different parts of Earth. Your latitude affects how high planets rise and how long they stay above the horizon. Your latitude and longitude both affect their local rise and set times. Local conditions also matter: buildings, mountains, trees, light pollution, and weather can hide a planet even when it is technically above the horizon.
Tips on How to See the Planets: Bottom Line
You don’t need expensive equipment to explore our solar system — just step outside and look for the brightest “dots” in the sky. Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and Mercury are easy to see with the naked eye. Which ones are visible depends on the date, time, and your location. You can also use the Moon or planetary pairings as a guide. Remember, planets usually shine more steadily than stars. For extra help, use the free Star Walk 2 app to instantly identify planets in real time.
More planet events
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