Observe Planets and Deep-Sky Objects: Beginner Guide
Learn how to observe planets and bright deep-sky objects as a beginner. Find easy naked-eye and binocular targets, then plan your first stargazing session.
You do not necessarily need a telescope to begin exploring the night sky. The naked eye is enough to observe the Moon, several planets, bright stars and a few star clusters. A simple pair of binoculars can then reveal more detail.
Which planets can you see with the naked eye?
Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn can all be visible without an instrument. Their presence changes throughout the year.
Venus is extremely bright and appears near the horizon after sunset or before sunrise. Jupiter is also one of the brightest points in the sky. Mars may be recognized by its orange colour. Saturn resembles a steady star, although a small telescope is needed to see its rings clearly. Mercury is more difficult because it always remains relatively close to the Sun in our sky.
What are deep-sky objects?
The term covers objects beyond our Solar System, including star clusters, nebulae and galaxies.
The Pleiades form a compact cluster that is easy to see with the naked eye. The Orion Nebula is an excellent binocular target. The Andromeda Galaxy can appear as a faint patch of light under a dark sky.
These objects usually look much subtler than they do in photographs. Human eyes rarely perceive their intense colours.
How should you prepare your first session?
Choose one main target. Find a place away from direct lights and give your eyes a few minutes to adapt to the dark. Reduce your phone’s brightness and observe when the target is reasonably high in the sky.
Begin with the naked eye. Binoculars can then reveal more stars and additional detail. Never point binoculars or a telescope at the Sun without a suitable certified solar filter.
How can AstroAlert help?
AstroAlert calculates noteworthy events for your location and brings satellites, planets, comets and deep-sky objects together. You can discover what is passing above you, read scientific information and receive alerts at the right time.
You do not need to memorize the entire sky. Simply begin with the most interesting object visible tonight.
Discover AstroAlert to learn what to observe and when to go outside.
