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• What is the ecliptic?
• Just don't get confused by two bright stars also on or near the sun's path. They are Regulus, the brightest star is the constellation Leo, and Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo. Regulus shines in between Mars and Mercury, and Spica pairs up closely with the planet Saturn. Spica and Saturn might give you the most trouble, in terms of telling which is which. You can distinguish golden-colored Saturn from blue-white Spica by color. Binoculars highlight the color contrast even more vividly. And if you have a modest backyard telescope, you can view Saturn's glorious rings.
• If you can't find Mercury otherwise, draw an imaginary line from Mars though Regulus to locate Mercury near the horizon some 45 to 75 minutes after sunset. Remember that binoculars help you to see Mercury all the sooner after sundown, as this world is struggling to overcome the glow of twilight.
• Two of the three evening planets will be visible all through July 2012: Mars and Saturn. Mercury will disappear into the glare of evening twilight after the first week of July.
• Have you seen Venus and Jupiter before dawn?
• Here's how to locate the two morning planets. There's really no problem here.

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