Check a reliable astronomy app or website for today’s planet positions and rise/set times
Look for the Moon’s phase, since bright moonlight can affect visibility
Go outside after sunset or before sunrise, depending on which planets are up
Find a dark location away from streetlights and city glow
Let your eyes adjust to the darkness for 15 to 20 minutes
Use binoculars for dimmer planets if needed
Use a telescope for better views of planets like Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars
Identify bright planets by their steady light compared with twinkling stars
Observe near the horizon for planets that appear low in the sky
Check weather conditions and avoid cloudy nights
Use a star map to match the planets with nearby constellations