How Can I Locate Mars in the Night Sky?

Use the "Evening Sky Maps" resource link contained in this article to obtain a copy of the continental U.S. sky map for the current month and year. All the planets in our solar system reside on a common plane in our orbits around the Sun. We call this plane the Ecliptic. The evening sky map will let you know which Zodiac constellation around the Ecliptic Mars can currently be found in.

Print out a copy of Sky and Telescope's star wheel and assemble it. Use the "Sky Wheel" resource link contained in this article. If you are untrained in identifying the Zodiac constellations in the night sky, the star wheel will serve as a guide to familiarize you with the names of these set star patterns.

Locate Mars along the Ecliptic on your Evening Sky Map. Make a note of the constellation it's in. For example, in April, 2010 Mars was in the Cancer Zodiac constellation.

Find the Zodiac constellation where Mars is positioned near this month in the night sky. If you don't know how to identify the Zodiac constellations, use your star wheel. Align the wheel so that today's month and approximate date are lined up with the current time. Turn the entire wheel map to make the north, west, south and east direction labels on the map true. The sun sets in the west, so if you know which direction the sun rises in the area you're in, simply turn the entire wheel map so the "Facing West" label is pointed in that direction. If you don't know which direction the sunset is in, you can use a compass. Once properly lined up, the stars on the map's horizon should coincide with the real stars in the sky. Look for the configuration that defines the Zodiac constellation you want to find.

Point your telescope in the direction of the Zodiac constellation where Mars is passing by this month. Depending upon where Mars is at in its orbit, it can vary a great deal in terms of brightness and clarity. Mars is, however, distinctly red (most of the time). Look for the slowly moving red dot in the sky in the vicinity of the Zodiac constellation where Mars is supposed to be this month. You'll still have to do a little hunting, but if you follow these steps you'll be in the right neighborhood.