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!
December 2024: What Planet 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!
All About Mercury, The Smallest Planet In The Solar System
Explore the closest planet to the Sun! Find out how long a day on Mercury is and how many moons the planet has. Also, keep up with the upcoming Mercury events!
Mars: Facts About the Red Planet
Why is Mars red? What’s the gravity on Mars? Read this article to get answers to these and many other questions and learn more about the Red Planet.
Mars Opposition 2025: Best Time to See Mars Until 2031
Mars will be directly opposite the Sun on January 16, 2025. Learn why you absolutely must see this celestial event.
Fun Facts About Jupiter: The Biggest Planet in the Solar System
Bright Jupiter is known for its enormous size, many moons, and mysterious Great Red Spot. Read our article to uncover all the secrets of the giant planet.
Calendar of All Astronomical Events 2025
Ready to spend 2025 staring at the sky instead of your phone? We've got all the astronomical events of the year in one place. Check out the dates and times for conjunctions, meteor showers, eclipses, supermoons, equinoxes, solstices, and more.
Magic of the Christmas Night Sky: Planets, Asterisms, and More!
Discover what celestial wonders await you in the Christmas sky this year! From bright planets to unique asterisms, learn how to spot them all.
Planetary Opposition 2024-2025: Best Time to See Planets
The best time to view most planets is at the astronomical opposition. Find out what it means and when to see the upcoming oppositions.
Planet Neptune: Explore the Farthest Planet From the Sun!
How big is Neptune? What is Neptune made of? Why is Neptune blue? Read our article and learn curious facts about the outermost planet in the Solar System.
Facts About Jupiter: Explore the Giant Planet
How many Earths could fit inside Jupiter? Is it true that one of its moons is bigger than Mercury? Take this quiz and dive into the awe-inspiring world of the giant planet and its remarkable moons.