Mercury can be seen returning to the predawn eastern sky by midmonth in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden). Mercury can be seen for about half an hour moving toward the bright star Spica. Mercury looks like a small white star.

Venus can be seen very low in the western sky for a short time after sunset in the constellation Scorpius (the Scorpion). Venus moves higher in the western sky every night, and will be visible for about 2 hours by the end of October. Venus, the “Evening Star”, is the brightest object in the night sky (after the moon). Venus looks like a very bright white star.

Mars cannot be seen this month as it reaches conjunction and will return in December in the predawn eastern sky.

Jupiter can be seen medium-low in the southwestern sky after sunset near the handle of the Teapot in the constellation Sagittarius (the Archer). Jupiter is very bright and easy to find but sets well before midnight. Jupiter looks like a bright, yellow-colored star.

Saturn can be seen in the eastern predawn sky before sunrise in the constellation Leo (the Lion) for about 2 hours early in October and for about 4½ hours by Halloween. Saturn rises earlier and moves higher into the eastern sky as it moves away from the sun. Saturn’s rings appear narrow due to our viewing angle. Saturn looks like a bright amber-colored star.