Introduction: Find Your Place in the Solar System

About: retired chemist trying to stay out of trouble
You've taken a photograph of a lovely sunset. But the image is marred by strange spots. Do you ...

A) edit them out.
B) step into the 21st Century.

Step 1: It Actually Is Rocket Science

Fortunately the Jet Propulsion Laboratory maintains a handy Solar System Simulator online. Setting the parameters to view the entire solar system with a 2 degree view from above gave me this simulation of our current position. Then simulating a view of the Sun from Earth, look what's hanging out beyond the horizon.

Although I never saw Venus and Mars, the camera did. So this is the 1st solar-planetary conjunction I have ever captured.

Step 2: Objects in Space

Why live in the past, viewing everything from a stone age, center-of-the-Earth perspective? With these celestial points, we can now orient ourselves to the plane of the solar system for a landscape worthy of the space age.

Doesn't it feel better knowing where you are?