At certain times of the year and dependent upon where you live, hopefully you can be outside to enjoy the beautiful days as well as glorious night sky. After the long winter months, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore our outside world in relative comfort. When we look to the skies, most of us are amazed at its splendor but don't have a clue as to what we are looking for or at. So, when the weather permits, step outside and share in the expanse of the sky.

As parent and child begin their journey of the solar system, remember, it is suppose to be fun. There are so many stars in the sky that you might want to start simple and build your way. Astronomy for kids does not need to be confusing or intimidating. It can simply be fun and bonding!

Although the night sky is well mapped and extremely fascinating, it is also complex. To spark long-remembered conversations and moments to be shared, start with a few simple searches for planets that are visible to the naked-eye: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

Mercury is the closest planet to the sun. The best opportunity to observe Mercury is when it is at its highest point in the sky. Sometimes Mercury is visible in the evening. In this case you can start observing Mercury shortly after sunset but you will have less than an hour until the planet sets below the horizon. At other times Mercury is visible in the morning. You will be able to see Mercury at most an hour or so before sunrise and can observe it until the light from the rising sun drowns it out.

Venus is the second closest planet to the sun. Whenever Venus is visible, it is much brighter than anything in the sky, with the exception of the sun and moon.

Mars is the fourth closest planet to the sun. When Mars is bright, it is bright red; when it is dim, it is a pale pink (at such times it may be difficult to see any color at all). Mars goes from bright to dim back to bright every two years.

Jupiter is the fifth closest planet to the sun. Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System. Jupiter is lost in the Sun's glare. Nevertheless, it is out there, on the other side of the Sun from Earth and 580 million miles away from our planet. It returns to view in mid-January, low in the morning sky.

Saturn is the sixth planet from the sun. Saturn appears pale yellow to the naked eye. Although never appearing quite as bright as the other planets, it is still obvious when the position is found.

Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are brighter than anything other than Venus, the sun or moon, Sirius and Canopus.

Once you have found, identified and possibly mapped the obvious, search deeper. You may find that you are enjoying the night sky as much as your child!

Chris Lowrey

Author and Editor of Family Time Charm

A truly unique family magazine. Family Time Charm is absolutely designed for the entire family.

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