5 planets are visible with the naked eye in the east before
sunrise this week. You will be dazzled by the brightness of Venus and how
prominent Jupiter is. I really enjoy looking for elusive Mercury as it hugs close
to the horizon. Mars will appear bigger and brighter than at any other time
since 2005 as it approaches opposition in May. It will become large enough that
I will be able to see the white polar caps and other surface features through
my telescope. Wait for those phony postings about it being larger than the full
Moon once again. LOL
