Last Reviewed and Updated on July 29, 2022
The Moon and the Sun are the two brightest astronomical bodies we can see, followed by a couple of planets you can see without a telescope. Which planet is the brightest in the night sky, and how can you find it? Or which one is the second brightest?
Which planets are visible from Earth without a telescope?
You can see most planets from our Solar System without the use of a telescope. Some are easily found and seen in the night sky, while others take a little effort.
The planets that can be seen without a telescope are; Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
Some of these planets you can observe daily or very often, while some won’t be visible every day.
If you have exceptional eyesight and a clear sky and find yourself in a dark area without artificial lights nearby, you may also spot Uranus.
Love space? Check out our list of 100 space facts
Which planet is the brightest in the night sky?
Venus is the brightest planet in the night sky. It is also the third brightest astronomical body in the night sky, the only two objects brighter being the Sun and the Moon.
It is really easy to spot as well. Venus is commonly known as the Morning Star or the Evening Star, all three being the same body.
When you are looking at the night sky, the first object that you see that shines is Venus, or you can see it as the last shining object disappearing as the Sun rises.
Also, read facts about Venus.
Which planet is the 2nd brightest in the night sky?
When it comes to the second brightest, we have a tie. Both Jupiter and Mars have almost the same maximum brightness. Depending on their position relative to Earth, at times, Jupiter will be brighter, while at other times, Mars will be.
Mars is closer to Earth than Jupiter is, but Jupiter is far bigger.
Mars is fairly easy to spot, as it has a slightly orange, orange-red sparkle.
By far, the easiest way to locate and observe a planet in the night sky is to use an astronomy app on your phone. There are many to choose from, and all get the job done.