The night sky this week offers a compelling celestial display, particularly for those interested in planetary observation. , marks a significant event as Mercury reaches its greatest eastern elongation – the point at which it appears farthest from the sun in the evening sky. This makes it the optimal time to spot the elusive planet, though conditions still require a clear western horizon and careful observation.
According to data from EarthSky, Mercury will be visible shortly after sunset, hanging low in the western sky. While not as brilliant as Venus, which is also present in the same region of the sky, Mercury will be positioned above the horizon for a reasonable amount of time, allowing for potential viewing. The Astronomy Magazine’s “The Sky Today” reports that an hour after sunset, Venus will have already set, leaving Mercury, the Moon, and Saturn visible.
The challenge in observing Mercury lies in its proximity to the sun. As noted by timeanddate.com, Mercury is only 18 degrees from the sun, making it difficult to discern against the twilight glow. However, the greatest eastern elongation provides the best opportunity to overcome this hurdle. The elongation itself doesn’t guarantee easy viewing; a clear, unobstructed western horizon is crucial. Light pollution can also significantly hinder observation.
Adding to the spectacle, the waxing crescent moon will be in close proximity to both Mercury and Saturn. On , the moon made a close pass by Mercury, and on Thursday, it will appear near Saturn. This lunar conjunction provides a helpful guidepost for locating the planets. EarthSky notes that some locations may even experience an occultation, where the moon appears to “hide” Mercury as it passes in front of it.
Venus, currently the brightest planet in the evening sky, will also be visible, though it sets quickly after sunset. Its position low on the horizon makes it a striking sight, but its fleeting appearance requires prompt observation. The timeanddate.com interactive night sky map confirms Venus’s early sunset, emphasizing the need to look soon after dusk.
Jupiter remains a prominent feature of the night sky, visible for over ten hours after sunset. While not part of the immediate western twilight display with Mercury, Venus, and Saturn, Jupiter’s extended visibility makes it a reliable target for observation throughout the evening and early night. The Farmers’ Almanac highlighted a “celestial kiss” between Jupiter and the crescent Moon on February 14th, indicating Jupiter’s continued prominence in the February sky.
Mars, unfortunately, is currently very close to the sun and is therefore difficult, if not impossible, to see. Timeanddate.com reports that Mars is only 9 degrees from the sun, rendering it largely invisible. This unfavorable positioning means that Mars will not be a visible component of the February night sky for most observers.
For those interested in tracking these celestial events, resources like the timeanddate.com interactive night sky map and EarthSky’s lunar calendar are invaluable. Stellarium Online, as suggested by EarthSky, provides a precise view of the sky from any location, accounting for local time and conditions. These tools can help observers pinpoint the exact times and locations of planetary rises and sets, maximizing their chances of a successful viewing experience.
The combination of Mercury at its greatest elongation, the presence of Venus and Saturn, and the proximity of the waxing crescent moon creates a dynamic and rewarding observing opportunity. While Mercury’s elusiveness presents a challenge, the favorable conditions on and the surrounding days offer a chance to witness a captivating display of planetary alignment.
