Why do the planets seem to go back and forth in our sky when they're all going the same way around the sun?

Mercury's about to emerge into the evening sky.

No pre-dawn planet watching for now. So get to know the current morning stars. Is Cygnus flying in the right place?

Even though we see through air, it's not as transparent as we think. It gets in the way.

Venus, Saturn, and Neptune are close on the celestial dome. They're fairly easy to see for now.

Mars moves deeper into Gemini. Jupiter resumes direct motion this week.

Mars pushes into Gemini. Jupiter prepares to turn around. Venus enters Pisces. And with two dogs crossing the sky, why don't northern hemisphere residents call these the dog nights of winter?

Venus soars above Saturn. Jupiter and the Hyades are high at dusk. Mars passes Pollux. And how can scientists know when the Blaze Star in Corona Borealis will flare up?

The moon passes in front of Mars. Venus passes Saturn. The moon's near Pollux and Mars. And let's discuss how Gemini, the celestial twins, aren't full brothers.

Jupiter remains near the Hyades. The moon visits Venus and Saturn. Mercury continues on its way out of the morning sky. And Earth is getting farther away from the sun. But if you think that's why it's cold where you are now, you're wrong.

Venus is approaching greatest elongation and heading toward Saturn. Jupiter and Mars are good sights all night. Mercury's still a morning object. And this week is a good time to look for Quadrantid meteor showers.

Venus passes through Capricornus on the way toward Saturn in Aquarius. Jupiter heads toward the Hyades. Mars goes back toward Gemini. Mercury moves by the scorpion's head.

Lunistice and solstice in the same week. Venus approaches Saturn. The moon visits Jupiter and Mars. Mercury hovers near Antares. And these days, high noon to high noon takes the longest.

The moon occults Saturn. Mercury moves to the morning. Vesper Venus. Mars turns around. And it's Geminid meteor time. Some scientists think those meteors didn't come from a defunct comet's dust after all.