Mercury is a slightly tough factor to see within the evening sky.
The tiny planet orbits so near the sun that the star’s blazing mild merely washes Mercury out of Earth’s sight. The one time we get to see the planet is when it is at biggest elongation, or its farthest factors from the sun — that occurs a number of occasions a 12 months.
Fortuitously, we’re quick approaching Mercury’s subsequent biggest elongation (Jan. 30), which signifies that the planet can be seen within the evening sky for the following few weeks. And on Jan. 24, Mercury will attain its highest altitude throughout this Jan.–Feb. visibility interval.
From New York Metropolis, Mercury will seem a slightly measly 14 levels above the horizon at dawn on Jan. 24, in keeping with skywatching web site In-the-sky.org (opens in new tab). That is concerning the width of a fist and a half out at arm’s size. That altitude is nearly common so far as Mercury goes — its most altitude ranges from 11 to 19 levels.
Associated: Mercury: Facts about the closest planet to the sun
When it reaches its highest altitude, Mercury can be shining considerably brightly at a magnitude round -0.2. However it’ll get brighter because it approaches biggest elongation, though it’s going to begin showing decrease within the sky.
You will not have lengthy to have a look at Mercury both. On Jan. 24, Mercury solely rises at 5:36 a.m. EST (1036 GMT) — nearly an hour and a half earlier than dawn. Ultimately, the sun’s mild will drown out Mercury within the sky.
However that brevity is true of practically all Mercury sightings. The planet is barely ever seen at twilight, alternating between morning and night with every biggest elongation. Mercury’s subsequent one can be on April 11 within the night, so mark your calendars now.
To get the perfect view of Mercury, you may want to make use of a telescope. Try our useful information to the best telescopes for seeing planets when you’re available in the market for a brand new instrument. If you happen to’re seeking to take some images of the planet, see our best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography.
Comply with Stefanie Waldek on Twitter @StefanieWaldek (opens in new tab). Comply with us @Spacedotcom (opens in new tab), or on Facebook (opens in new tab) and Instagram (opens in new tab).
