Home >> Science & Nature >> Astronomy

How to Tell a Star From a Planet in the Night Sky

All of the planets in our solar system revolve around our star, the sun, and are much closer to Earth than stars. Certain characteristics of the planets allow them to be more readily identified, but timing is the most important component to viewing the planets. Planets can only be seen at dawn or dusk because planets do not have their own light source, like stars. They reflect the light of the stars around them. Our planets appear at dusk and dawn because they are reflecting the sun's light.

Things You'll Need

Binoculars
or
Telescope
Spotting Scope

Instructions

Observation
- 1
  
  Dusk
  
  Find an open, cloudless area outside at dusk or dawn. Choose an area without artificial lights.
- 2
  
  Mars
  
  Look at the horizon of sunset or sunrise for bright globes in the sky. These are planets. If a star is still visible, it will be dim compared to the planet. For the planets that are the farthest away, you may need binoculars or a scope to see more than just a shiny globe.
- 3
  
  Venus, just after sunset
  
  Use the tips listed to identify which of the planets you are viewing. All planets revolve around the sun in their own orbits and on their own time schedule, so not all of them will be visible at all times. They may also be so far away that, even with an instrument, they appear as a pinprick of bright light.

Astronomy