By Paul Dohrman | Updated Mar 24, 2022
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Mars is one of the five planets visible to the naked eye, and its unmistakable crimson hue makes it a standout feature in the night sky. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just beginning to explore the heavens, this guide shows you how to locate Mars using free online tools and trusted printed sky maps.
Navigate to AstroViewer.com.
Click the "Start Astroviewer" button. The star map will appear in a new window, with the dotted line representing the ecliptic—the path followed by the Sun, Moon, and planets.
Switch to the "Sky Map" tab. Press the "Location/City" button, choose your nearest city, and confirm with "OK."
Scan along the ecliptic for a bright red dot. Hovering over it will reveal the label "Mars."
Use the navigation arrows on the right and bottom of the map to center the red spot, then zoom in with the left arrow. Enlarging the view will help you see the surrounding stars—Mars’ red glow will still set it apart.
Open AstroViewer.com, locate the ecliptic, and spot the red dot labeled "Mars." If it’s invisible, check the "Planets' Visibility" tab for rise/set times, or the "Solar System" tab to see if it’s on the far side of the Sun.
For those unfamiliar with constellations, having a printed sky map from Astronomy or Sky & Telescope can be invaluable. Bring one along when you head outside to identify Mars accurately.
