Why are Mars and Saturn generally less prominent visitors to the post-sunset western sky compared to Venus and Jupiter?
Answer
They orbit further from the Sun.
Mars and Saturn are typically less frequent or less visually prominent visitors to the western sky shortly after sunset primarily because their orbits are significantly wider and farther away from the Sun compared to the orbits of Venus and Jupiter. Venus, being extremely close to the Sun, is often visible as a brilliant 'evening star,' and Jupiter is the next brightest candidate. While Mars's brightness can surge during opportune close approaches to Earth, the general orbital mechanics place the outer planets in positions where they are less consistently visible or less dazzling in the immediate post-sunset viewing period.
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