This is an unusual event, considering that the planet does not frequently cross the horizon line and, during the nights, it remains little time in the sky due to its proximity to the Sun. The planet reached its maximum eastern elongation at around 9am, at however, it can only be seen earlier this evening. Because of its position in the Solar System, Mercury will rise just 7 degrees above the horizon – a considerably short distance for Earth observation. For that reason, it will not be so easy to find the little red planet in the sky. It is worth saying that the planet will be setting earlier each day for the next 2 weeks. And although your arc increases during this period, its luminosity will gradually decrease – which, consequently, will make it difficult to observe.
Lunar eclipse this Friday (5)
This week will be marked by two important astronomical events. The day after Mercury appears, a penumbral lunar eclipse will take place, in which the Moon will be slightly overshadowed by the Earth’s shadow. However, the phenomenon will be visible only in Africa, Australia, Europe, Russia and the eastern region of Brazil.
