Hi Kate & Welcome
1. Yes both are visable but at different times
2. Planets are the closest , nearest star is Aprox 4.2 light years, fartherest Planet about 3 billion km
3. Black mass is the "Coal sack" nebula
an area of gas & dust blocking out the stars that are behind it.
Wath out ...you will get hooked
Next thing you know you will be ordering a big telescope
