SkyEye

The Calendar

The Solar System

The word planet is derived from the Greek word for 'wanderer'. Unlike the background stars, planets seem to move around the sky, keeping mostly to a narrow track called the ecliptic, the path of the Sun across the stars. Dwarf planets and small solar-system bodies, including comets, are not so constrained, often moving far above or below the ecliptic.

Sun Libra → Scorpius → Ophiuchus

Although Ophiuchus is not a member of the zodiac, the ecliptic passes through it. The equation of time is at its absolute maximum on 2 November. Local noon as defined by the clock occurs nearly 16.5 minutes after the Sun crosses the meridian.

Mercury Libra → Scorpius → Ophiuchus → Sagittarius

Now an evening sky object, Mercury appears mid-month close to the western horizon after sunset. It is most easily seen from the southern hemisphere.

Venus Ophiuchus → Sagittarius

The morning star is still best seen from the southern hemisphere where it continues to climb high above the western horizon. It is still low as seen from the north but is finally starting to gain altitude.

Mars Sagittarius → Capricornus

The red planet is well aloft at nightfall, not setting until mid- to late evening.

Jupiter Virgo

The largest planet in the solar system emerges from the vicinity of the Sun to appear in the east before sunrise.

Saturn Ophiuchus

At conjunction with the Sun early next month, the ringed planet is disappearing into the western twilight glow after sunset.

Uranus Pisces

At opposition last month, this green-coloured ice giant is visible for much of the night, not setting until after midnight.

Neptune Aquarius

A small telescope is necessary to view the most distant planet in the solar system. It sets around midnight.