Best method
Start with the brightest nearby objects, then compare Planet Alignment with the AR overlay.
Astronomy event guide
Planet Alignment Guide: How to See Planets Together
A planet alignment usually means several planets appear along the same broad path in the sky, near the ecliptic.
Quick facts
Use these cues first, then confirm the pattern in the AR viewer.
Location matters
Altitude and direction change with latitude, longitude, date, and time.
Alignment tip
If the phone compass drifts, adjust the heading controls until a known star pattern lines up.
What alignment means
The planets are not lined up in space from every viewpoint. From Earth, they appear near the same sky path because their orbits share roughly the same plane.
How to identify planets
Bright planets usually look steadier than stars. Venus and Jupiter can be very bright, while Mars often has a warm orange color.
Use AR for confirmation
Open the AR star map and compare each planet marker with nearby constellations so you can separate real planets from bright stars.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers for common skywatching questions before opening the AR viewer.
Can I find Planet Alignment from a city?
Often yes if the key stars or object are bright enough, but haze, buildings, and light pollution can hide fainter details.
Why can the AR overlay be slightly offset?
Mobile compass readings can drift near metal, cases, cars, and buildings. Use a known bright object to tune the heading offset.
Does my location change the result?
Yes. The same object can be high, low, or below the horizon depending on your location and the current time.
Related sky guides
Use these pages to move from reading into the AR viewer with better context.
Open AR to find Planet Alignment
Use the browser sky map to compare Planet Alignment with the real sky from your location.