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 3 November. Local noon as defined by the clock occurs nearly 16.5 minutes after the Sun crosses the meridian.

Mercury Virgo → Libra → Scorpius

Barely visible to southern hemisphere observers, this elusive planet is readily seen from northern latitudes early in the month. After reaching greatest elongation west on the first day of the month, it heads back towards the Sun, disappearing from morning skies by mid-month.

Venus Libra → Scorpius → Ophiuchus

The evening star slowly gains altitude above the western horizon after sunset but will be difficult to spot due to its very low position. It will become higher in the sky and a little easier to view next month.

Mars Sagitarrius

Mars continues to shine redly in the west after sunset.

Jupiter Leo

Quadrature is an excellent time to observe the gas giants as the interplay of shadows between the planets and their satellites is at its most pronounced. Jupiter reaches west quadrature on the 14 November and is rising before midnight.

Saturn Libra

Saturn is lost to view this month as it undergoes conjunction with the Sun on 18 November.

Uranus Pisces

At opposition last month, this green-coloured ice giant is visible for much of the night. Arctic regions may see Uranus disappear behind the face of the Moon on 4 November.

Neptune Aquarius

A small telescope is necessary to view the most distant planet in the solar system. At east quadrature on 27 November, it sets around midnight.