Observing the Sky

Each month, the Observatory compiles a summary of the notable objects in the sky and how to observe them. Weekly sky charts will guide you where to look.

The sky we see is always changing. The Sun, Moon, planets, and stars rise and set each day as the Earth rotates. They also change their relative positions in the sky depending on the time of the month or year.

Are you looking for an astronomy group like the Observatory’s longtime partner, the Los Angeles Astronomical Society (LAAS)? What about other planetariums in southern California? We can help. There are also general references below for reputable amateur astronomy information.

Every 18.6 years, our Moon reaches the extremes of its orbit around the Earth. We observe this as the Moon rises and sets at its most northerly and southerly positions on the horizon.