What planets are visible tonight?
Saturn is visible in the eastern sky following sunset on October 14, 2024. It sets around three hours before sunrise. It looks golden in the sky.
On this day, Saturn shines with a magnitude of +0.7 and is located in the zodiac constellation Aquarius, the Water Bearer.
Venus is visible near the western horizon following sunset on October 14, 2024. It sets around an hour after sunset. It is the brightest object in the evening sky (except for the moon). Venus is easier to spot in the southern hemisphere than in the northern hemisphere for this evening apparition. In the southern hemisphere, it remains a decent height above the horizon after sunset due to the higher slope of the ecliptic.
On this day, Venus shines with a magnitude of -3.9 and is located in the zodiac constellation Libra, the Scales.
Mars is visible high in the southern sky preceding sunrise on October 14, 2024. It rises around midnight. It looks reddish in the sky.
On this day, Mars shines with a magnitude of +0.3 and is located in the zodiac constellation Gemini, the Twins.
Jupiter is visible high in the southern sky preceding sunrise on October 14, 2024. It is visible far to the right of Mars. It rises around 4 hours after sunset. It is the brightest object in the morning sky (except for the moon).
On this day, Jupiter shines with a magnitude of -2.4 and is located in the zodiac constellation Taurus, the Bull.
Mercury in October 2024
Currently, Mercury is rapidly emerging from the sun’s glare and will be visible in the evening twilight from the end of October.
Mercury will be visible very close to the waxing crescent moon on the evening of November 3, 2024.
Mercury will reach furthest from the sun on our sky’s dome on November 16, 2024 – called the greatest eastern elongation of Mercury. At that time, Mercury will be 22.5°E from the sun. It will be the best time to observe Mercury in the evening twilight in November.
After the greatest eastern elongation, Mercury will rapidly approach the sun’s glare, making it gradually harder to observe in the evening twilight.
Mercury will reach its inferior solar conjunction on December 6, 2024. At that time, Mercury will completely disappear in the sun’s glare as it will rise and set with the sun. It will be impossible to observe Mercury around that time.
Venus in October 2024
Currently, Venus is slowly emerging from the sun’s glare and is visible in the evening twilight.
Each day in October, Venus will gain altitude as well as brightness gradually in the evening sky. So as the day progresses, it will be easier to observe.
Venus will be visible very close to the waxing crescent moon on the evening of November 4, 2024.
Venus will reach furthest from the sun on our sky’s dome on January 10, 2025 – called the greatest eastern elongation of Venus. At that time, Venus will be 47.2°E from the sun in our sky. It will be the best time to observe Venus in the evening sky.
Mars in October 2024
Mars will be visible in the early morning hours in October. Each day, its brightness will increase gradually in the morning sky.
At the beginning of October, Mars will rise about 6 hours after sunset (around midnight), and by the end of October, it will rise about 5 hours after sunset.
Mars will be visible very close to the waning gibbous moon on the morning of October 23, 2024.
Mars will be brightest and visible almost all night in our sky in January 2025 as it will reach its opposition on January 16, 2025. At that time, Mars will be located on the opposite side of the sun on our sky’s dome. It will be the best time of the year to observe Mars.
Jupiter in October 2024
Jupiter will be visible in the early morning hours in October. Each day, its brightness will increase gradually in the morning sky.
Jupiter rises about four minutes earlier each day. At the beginning of October, it will rise about 4 hours after sunset, and by the end of October, it will rise about a couple of hours after sunset.
Jupiter will be visible very close to the waning gibbous moon on the morning of October 21, 2024.
Jupiter will be brightest and visible almost all night in our sky in December 2024 as it will reach its opposition on December 7, 2024. At that time, Jupiter will be located on the opposite side of the sun on our sky’s dome. It will be the best time of the year to observe Jupiter.
Saturn in October 2024
Saturn will be visible in the evening hours in October. Each day, its brightness will decrease gradually in the evening sky.
Saturn rises about four minutes earlier each day. At the beginning of October, it will rise about an hour before sunset, and by the end of October, it will rise about 3 hours before sunset.
Saturn will be visible very close to the waxing gibbous moon on the evening of October 14, 2024.
Saturn will be brightest and visible almost all night in our sky in September 2025 as it will reach its opposition on September 21, 2025. At that time, Saturn will be located on the opposite side of the sun on our sky’s dome. It will be the best time of the year to observe Saturn.
Resources
Visit the Stellarium Online for precise positions of planets from your location.
Moon phases October 2024: What is the moon phase today?
Mercury phases 2024: What is the phase of Mercury today?
Happy skywatching!
Please bookmark Spaceandtelescope.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get latest space news, upcoming skywatching events and astronomy-related content.
