Observing the planets can be the most rewarding of celestial targets, where images conjured by NASA become a reality. The moment you observe the polar ice caps of Mars, the storms of Jupiter or the rings of Saturn, you will instantly be inspired to see more.
All you need is some knowledge of the equipment and telescopes needed to both observe and locate them. The brighter planets can be observed with the unaided eye alone and each of their colors, or 'hues, are discernable because of their relative surface brightness or magnitude. These planets include Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Uranus and Neptune can be slightly more difficult and so acquire views with greater clarity. This is when we turn to the telescope to provide us with a 'window' to our celestial neighbors.
