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!
August 12, 2026: The Biggest Skywatching Day of the Year
Plan your August 12, 2026 skywatching marathon: planets before sunrise, a solar eclipse, and a moonless Perseid peak after dark.
Neptune: The Farthest & Windiest Planet in the Solar System
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.
All About Mars: Facts, Visibility, and Viewing Tips
Why does Mars look red? How big is it? Can you see it tonight? Discover Mars facts, get visibility tips, and learn about upcoming sky events.
What Planets Are Visible Tonight? August 2026 Sky Guide
See which planets are visible tonight, where to look, and when to spot Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Updated for August 1–15, 2026.
Venus in the Sky: When and How to See 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.
Jupiter Facts for Skywatchers: What Does Jupiter Look Like From Space and From Earth?
Get a clear picture of Jupiter: how it looks to the naked eye and with optics, when to see it in the sky in 2026, what it’s composed of, and what makes this gas giant special.
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.
Conjunction of Planets 2026: When to See Planets Close Together in the Sky
Looking for the next planetary conjunction? Here are the key dates in 2026 when planets will appear close together in the sky, plus visibility details and tips on what to watch for.
What Is Retrograde Motion? Which Planets Are Retrograde Right Now (July 2026)
Learn what retrograde means, see which planets are retrograde right now, and get an easy way to observe retrograde loops.
How to See the Six-Planet Alignment Around August 12, 2026
See six planets before sunrise around August 12, 2026. Check the best viewing time for your city, where to look, and which planets need binoculars.