How to See the Planet Mars in the Michigan Sky

Generate a map of the night sky for your location using an online tool. These tools can be found with any search engine, and are free and generally simple to use. Some of them ask for a zip code, while others ask you to select the nearest large city, like Detroit. Input the date and time you plan to observe.

Check that planet locations are displayed on the map. Disable the display of objects that distract from easy reading of the map, such as satellites or asteroids.

Print out a version of the map to take with you into the field. Study it closely in daylight. Pay attention to Mars' location in relation to the stars and constellations.

Choose a location that is far from bright city lights. Go to that location at the appointed time. Use the red light flashlight to see the compass and map. Orient yourself and face to the north.

Look at the bright stars on the map, then look to the sky. Ensure that the map is accurate. Because the earth rotates, a static map becomes less accurate as the night progresses. Therefore, it's important to start observing at the proper time.

Look for Mars in the location where the map indicates it should be. The planet will appear as a moderately-bright reddish dot. It will not twinkle like the stars around it. Also, observing on successive nights will allow you to see Mars move against the background of stars. This happens because the stars are incredibly far away, while Mars is relatively close.