What do you really know about the planets?

You know they exist. Do you know how to find them? What makes them special?


Novice stargazers need to know how the planets move across they sky and where to look to find them. Planets do not follow the same easy rules as stars. That's why the ancient Greeks called them 'Wanderers'.

This course focuses on the five planets you can see with your eyes:

Mercury
Venus
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn

You will learn how each moves a little differently, how to find them, and how they are part of your daily life, even if you don't know it.
Start learning about the planets now

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome to the course!

    • A message from your instructor
  • 2

    Foundations: The Sun and The Stars

    • We should always start with the Sun

    • Then Move on to the Stars
  • 3

    Mercury and Venus: The Inner Plannets

    • Venus

    • Venus in Your Life Exercise

    • Mercury

    • Inner Planet Quiz
  • 4

    Mars, Jupiter and Saturn: The Outer Planets

    • Jupiter

    • Saturn

    • Mars

    • Orbital Periods

    • Outer Planets quiz

    • Aide Memoire - Downloadable Course Notes
  • 5

    Tying It All Together

    • Where to Look for the Planets 1: Ecliptic

    • Where to Look for the Planets 2: Web Tools and How to Use Them

    • Where to Look for the Planets 3: Phone Apps

    • Conclusion: From then to now