The two largest planets in the solar system are easy to find low in the southwestern sky after sunset. Jupiter, the brightest, is right next to the ringed planet Saturn. The two are only two degrees apart.

It is an amazing scene when we consider the distance involved and the scale of the solar system. Stay tuned, the two are going to appear even closer in the weeks ahead. On Dec. 21, the first day of winter, the two will be less than a degree apart. Enjoy the show, as every night offers a slightly different change of scene.

The red planet Mars is high in the southern sky at about the same time. While dull red compared to how it appeared more than a month ago, Mars is still the brightest in that area of the sky and can’t be missed.

The brightest planet Venus is now high in the southeastern sky before sunup. The planet is in the zodiacal constellation Scorpius and not far from the red star Antares.