Mapping the Solar System from Earth
Some newspapers and science magazines, such as Sky and Telescope, provide sky charts that describe what sky objects are visible at different times. These typically include prominent stars, bright planets, and the Moon. There are two principle maps provided to readers: (1) a geocentric horizon view and (2) a heliocentric orrery view. The geocentric perspective is the view from Earth looking up into the southern sky. The heliocentric perspective is the view of the Solar System looking down from above. From above, the planets orbit and spin counter-clockwise (except Venus, which appears to spin backwards).

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