Planet Position Viewer

Planetary Ephemeris

This tool calculates approximate positions of all eight planets using simplified Keplerian orbital elements. The orbital parameters (semi-major axis, eccentricity, inclination, longitude of perihelion, ascending node, and mean longitude) are taken from published low-accuracy formulae valid for several decades around J2000.0.

What's Shown

• Right Ascension (RA) & Declination (Dec) — Equatorial coordinates indicating where the planet appears on the celestial sphere.
• Distance (AU) — Distance from Earth in Astronomical Units (1 AU = ~149.6 million km).
• Apparent Magnitude — How bright the planet appears. Lower values are brighter; negative values are very bright.
• Constellation — The constellation the planet currently appears in, determined from its ecliptic longitude.
• Rise / Set Times — Approximate times the planet rises above and sets below the horizon for your location, computed from the planet's declination and your latitude.

Accuracy

Positions are approximate (typically within 1-2 degrees) and suitable for general observing planning. For precise ephemeris data, consult JPL Horizons or similar professional tools. Rise/set times are approximate and do not account for atmospheric refraction or local terrain.

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