The planets of the solar system are varied in their appearance. Mercury is slate gray while Venus is pearly white, Earth a vibrant blue, and Mars a dusky red.

Though the planet is faint, its blue color is still discernible. (Image credit: Gianluca Masi, Virtual Telescope Project) Then came Neptune, the most distant of the eight targets.

Earth is invitingly blue. Mars is angry red. Venus is brilliant white. Astronomers have learned that a planet's "true colors" can reveal important details. For example, Mars is red because its ...

Stars, planets and more will be visible during the total solar eclipse on April 8. ... Exotic colors and lighting. I've often been asked, why bother traveling to an eclipse?