In 2008, Mercury best in mid-May
the planet Mercury
(Image credit: NASA)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Now is the time to catch the planet Mercury in the evening.
Mercury is the innermost planet of our solar system. It’s often difficult or impossible to see, because it stays close to the sun’s glare. But as seen from Earth now, Mercury is swinging to its greatest distance east of the sun. That means it’s showing up in the western sky after sunset.
To see Mercury, you’ll need an unobstructed western horizon. This planet can be found low in the west-northwestern sky when it first pops into view after sunset. Start searching for Mercury about 30 to 45 minutes after the sun goes down.
The trick to finding it is not to look too early, because Mercury will be hidden in bright twilight. But if you look too late, Mercury will have already set. Though Mercury shines as brightly as a bright star, it’ll appear dimmer than it really is against the twilight. Binoculars will help you spot it, especially if your sky is less than crystal clear.
Mercury is best now from the northern hemisphere, not as good from south of the equator. It sets sooner after sunset in the southern hemisphere because the ecliptic – path of the planets – arcs low in the autumn evening sky now as seen from there. Because it’s now spring in this hemisphere, the ecliptic arcs high, so Mercury stays out later.
NEW! Find related content with Sphere
Thank you, looking for a long time.
Altapills,
Good luck on your search! Don’t forget to have binoculars handy. I can’t even begin to count the number of times binoculars have enabled me to find the elusive planet Mercury.
Bruce