Planets & Moons
There are 8 officially recognized Solar System planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Most of them, except Mercury and Venus, have their own natural satellites, commonly called “moons.” Some of the dwarf planets, like Pluto and Eris, have moons, too. Here, you’ll learn the best dates to observe planets in the sky and find everything you need to know about planets, dwarf planets, and natural satellites. When you learn enough, test your astronomy skills with our challenging quizzes!
November 2026 Planet Parade: 4 Planets Align Around November 14
See Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter in the November 2026 planet parade. Compare Nov 14 and 20 viewing times, and learn where to look before sunrise.
Bright “Star” Next to Moon: What Is Next to the Moon Tonight?
What is that bright dot shining near the Moon tonight? Find out about stars and planets that can be seen next to our natural satellite this month!
Moons of Jupiter: How Many Are There and What Are the 4 Largest?
Jupiter has 115 moons, including the four famous Galilean moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. Learn the current moon count and how to see the largest ones in your sky.
When & Where is Venus Visible in 2026? Observe the Brightest Planet
See when Venus is visible in 2026, how to find it in the sky, and why it shines so brightly. Learn key facts and upcoming events featuring Venus.
What Planets Are Visible Today? November 9–15, 2026 Guide
See which planets are visible tonight in our November 9–15, 2026 guide, with viewing times, regional tips, and advice for spotting them with or without optics.
Planet Parade 2026: When Is the Next Planetary Alignment?
See when the next planetary alignment happens in 2026, find out which planets will align, and explore upcoming planet parade dates.
Facts About Uranus: Size, Surface, Rings, and More
Explore Uranus facts, from its size, composition, and sideways rotation to its rings and moons, and learn how to observe the planet in 2026.
All About Mars: Facts, Images and How to See It
Learn why Mars is red, how to recognize it in the night sky, and when to watch its upcoming encounters with the Moon, Jupiter, and Regulus in November 2026.
Planet Parade Map: Next Planetary Alignment on November 14, 2026
The next planetary alignment is November 14, 2026. See Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter before sunrise with our planet parade map.
Fun Facts About Mercury: What Mercury Is Like and Its One-of-a-Kind Characteristics
All you need to know about Mercury: fun facts, color and size, temperature swings, day length, and practical tips to spot it in 2026.