Mercury is a reasonably difficult 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 best elongation, or its farthest factors from the sun — that occurs just a few occasions a yr.
Fortuitously, we’re quick approaching Mercury’s subsequent best elongation (Jan. 30), which signifies that the planet might be seen within the evening sky for the subsequent 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 reasonably measly 14 levels above the horizon at dawn on Jan. 24, based on 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 might be shining considerably brightly at a magnitude round -0.2. However it’ll get brighter because it approaches best elongation, though it will 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 just ever seen at twilight, alternating between morning and night with every best elongation. Mercury’s subsequent one might be on April 11 within the night, so mark your calendars now.
To get the perfect view of Mercury, you will want to make use of a telescope. Take a look at our useful information to the best telescopes for seeing planets when you’re out there for a brand new instrument. Should you’re seeking to take some photographs of the planet, see our best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography.
Observe Stefanie Waldek on Twitter @StefanieWaldek (opens in new tab). Observe us @Spacedotcom (opens in new tab), or on Facebook (opens in new tab) and Instagram (opens in new tab).