What is in the sky right now?
Every planet, bright star, Messier object and this year’s brighter comets and asteroids that are above your horizon at this moment, sorted by height. The list follows the clock.
New York, 11:04 AM: daylight. 3 objects match the filters.
| Object | Height | Direction | Magnitude | Type | Constellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | 36° | SSE (149°) | – | Star (the Sun) | Virgo |
| Venus | 19° | SE (143°) | -4.4 | Planet | Virgo |
| Moon | 6° | SE (129°) | – | Moon | Libra |
Without the last box ticked, the list hides objects too faint for the light at that moment, using simple limits we chose as a guide rather than measured values: magnitude −3.5 in daylight, 1 in civil twilight, 3 in nautical twilight, 5 in astronomical twilight and 6 in a dark sky, and Messier objects only from astronomical twilight on (most of them need binoculars). Light pollution lowers all of these.
How to use this page
Choose your place at the top. The page shows everything above your horizon at this moment, from the Moon and planets to bright stars and deep-sky objects, with where to look and how high each one is. It updates every minute.
Frequently asked questions
Why is something listed but I cannot see it?
It may be in daylight or twilight, low behind buildings or trees, or too faint for your sky. Check its height and brightness in the list.
How do I find the direction?
The direction is a compass point and an azimuth counted from north through east. A phone compass or the 3D sky on this site helps you face the right way.
Does it use my location?
Only on your device. The place you choose stays in your browser and is used to work out the sky locally.
Related guides
- How to find planets in the night skyFive planets are easy to see with the naked eye. Here is where to look, when, and how to recognise them.
- Altitude and azimuth: finding things in the skyTwo angles tell you exactly where to look: which direction, and how high.
- Magnitude: how star brightness is measuredLower numbers mean brighter, and five magnitudes are a factor of 100 in brightness.