SKY · IDENTIFY · USA

What's That in the Sky Over Phoenix?

See a bright “star,” a steady glowing point, or something you can't place over Phoenix? Pick the direction you're facing and we'll name the brightest objects that way right now — computed live for Phoenix's coordinates (33.4°, -112.1°).

WHAT'S IN THE SKY OVER PHOENIX NOW
WHICH WAY ARE YOU LOOKING?
Almost certainly the MoonTHE MOON
Unmistakable once you spot it — currently waxing crescent, 6% lit.WNW · 4° up · north-western sky
VenusPLANET
Far brighter than any star — if it outshines everything, it is almost certainly Venus.WNW · 9° up · western sky
JupiterPLANET
A brilliant, steady (non-twinkling) creamy point — usually the brightest thing up after Venus.WNW · 3° up · north-western sky
ArcturusSTAR
A warm orange star high in the spring/summer evening sky.SSW · 75° up · southern sky
VegaSTAR
Brilliant blue-white, near overhead on summer evenings; a corner of the Summer Triangle.ENE · 43° up · north-eastern sky
AltairSTAR
Bright star straddling the equator; completes the Summer Triangle.E · 15° up · eastern sky
IS IT MOVING OR FLASHING?

A point of light that drifts steadily across the sky in a minute or two — not twinkling, no flashing lights — is a satellite (often the ISS or a Starlink train). A blinking light moving in a straight line is an aircraft. The objects above don't move noticeably over a few minutes.

The list is ordered brightest-first and updates through the night. A planet shines with a steady light; a star twinkles; a point that drifts across the sky in a minute or two is a satellite. Best viewing is once the sky is fully dark — check our stargazing conditions for Phoenix.

Phoenix right now

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