Mars is visible high in the southwestern sky after sunset. The red planet is the brightest object above the trees.

Closer to the horizon, star gazers might want to take the challenge of looking for an even brighter planet. Venus is very close to the horizon after sunset, in the west-northwest. The planet is visible when the weather is clear and cloudless. The fainter planet Mercury is right next to Venus. The two planets are closest together Saturday night.

Mercury will be easier to see in the nights ahead as it gets higher. Venus is getting higher too, although its nightly movement is slower.

Looking ahead, Mercury will continue to climb until mid-May, while Venus is more of a constant. There will be no problem seeing Venus in May and beyond.