Most of the light in the night sky comes from stars and planets.If you can't tell whether an object in the sky is a star or planet, you'll want to learn how to distinguish between the physical features of these two bodies.
Step 1: If the object twinkles, you must check it.
Looking to see if the object twinkles or shimmers is one of the easiest ways to distinguish between stars and planets in the night sky.If you have a clear view of the sky and watch it for a long time, this can be seen with the naked eye."Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" is a song about stars.Planets don't twinkle.In the night sky, they remain constant in their brightness and appearance.It is possible to see planets along the edges of a telescope.Any object that blinks, twinkles or shimmers is a star.If it is moving quickly across the night sky, it could be an aircraft.
Step 2: If the object rises or sets, note that.
There are not fixed objects in the night sky.How the bodies move can be a good indication of whether they're stars or planets.The planets rise and fall in the East and the West.They follow the same path as the sun and moon.The stars don't rise or fall in the night sky.Instead, they circle around Polaris in a circular pattern.The object you see in the sky is most likely a planet.Satellites move more quickly than planets.A planet may take weeks to cross the night sky, whereas a satellite can fly in a matter of minutes.
Step 3: The ecliptic has been identified.
The ecliptic is an imaginary belt of planets in the night sky.Careful observation will help you find the location where the objects are congregated.Stars should be distinguishable by their appearance, even if they appear along this invisible belt.Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are all brighter than the surrounding stars.Their brightness is due to the reflected sunlight.The easiest way to find the ecliptic is to note the location of the sun and moon in the sky.The sun's path is very close to the path of planets.
Step 4: The color is observed.
Some planets are not colorful.Many of the most prominent planets in our night sky have some type of color.The planets can be compared to stars.Some people with good vision may be able to detect subtle colors, but most of the time they fall within the blueish-white to yellow range.Stars appear white to the naked eye for most people.Mercury is either gray or brownish.Venus is pale yellow.Mars is usually between pale pink and bright red.On a two-year cycle, the relative brightness of Mars changes.Jupiter is orange with white bands.There is pale gold in the picture.The planets appear pale blue.They aren't usually visible to the naked eye.
Step 5: You can compare the brightness.
While planets and stars light up the night sky, planets are usually brighter than many stars.Most of the planets are visible to the naked eye because they fall in the range of objects that are easily seen.The sun's bright light is reflected by planets, which are close to the earth.Stars emit their own light.The planets in our solar system are much closer to the earth than the stars.The planets reflect our sun's light in a way that makes them appear brighter from the earth.
Step 6: You should bring star charts and planetary guides.
A chart or guide can help you determine where to look if you are confused or have poor night vision.You can purchase star charts and planetary guides from a bookstore, print out free guides on the internet, or download a star/planetary guide app on your phone.Star charts are usually only valid for a short period of time.As the earth continues along its path, the position of stars in the sky changes.You should use a dim red flashlight if you consult a star chart or planetary guide outside.Light can be provided without affecting your eyes' ability to adjust to darkness.
Step 7: A good telescope or binoculars is needed.
If you don't get enough views with the naked eye, you may want to use a telescope or binoculars.By magnifying the area you look at, these instruments can assist you.It can bring objects invisible to the naked eye into your view.Getting familiar with the stars using the naked eye, trying binoculars, and finally using a telescope is recommended by some experts.This will help you get used to the visible bodies and their place in the night sky.Before you buy a telescope or binoculars, compare them online.Search online for the model you're interested in and read the reviews written by people who have owned it.
Step 8: You can visit a dark-sky site
Light pollution can make it hard to see the stars in the night sky.It is possible to maximize visibility by visiting a dark-sky site.The International Dark-Sky Association identified these sites as places worth protecting against encroaching light pollution and urban development.State and national parks are common dark-sky sites.You can find a dark-sky site on the IDA website.
Step 9: Check to see if the occultation is happening.
An occultation is when the moon passes between the Earth and a star.These obstructions can be planned around since their occurrence is predictable.Some locations on Earth can be seen from other locations.If an occultation is scheduled, you should check in advance to see if your visibility will be affected.You can find out more about planned occultations by consulting an astronomy guide.The International Occultation Timing Association publishes their predictions for free.
Step 10: You can identify the moon's phase.
The moon's light can make it hard to see stars and planets.If it is close to a full moon, it can be hard to see the stars.To observe the night sky, it's best to check on the current phase of the moon.You can get an online guide to the moon's phases for free if you're not sure about the current phase.You can check the moon phases by date on the U.S. Navy's website.
Step 11: Find the right conditions.
If the night sky is not very visible, you won't be able to distinguish between stars and planets.There are a number of factors that can limit your ability to see the stars.Night sky visibility is affected by light pollution.You will need to travel to a more rural area if you live in a metropolitan area.Significant snow cover can affect night sky visibility.If the ground is covered in snow, you may not be able to see the stars in the sky.
Step 12: Other limiting factors are not advisable.
There are many other factors that can affect night sky visibility.If you consume alcohol, nicotine, or both at the same time, you can affect your ability to see the stars.The factors affect your ability to see stars and planets in the night sky.