Mercury heads way out west

• Published date: 27 May 2023
• Publication title: Mix, The

The secret to spotting Mercury is to think of Jupiter as your cosmic tour guide. This giant of a planet will serve as starting point for our quest

Jupiter is the reigning superstar of the morning sky, shining brighter than any other celestial object. Cast your gaze towards the northeast in the hours before dawn, and there it is, like a dazzling spotlight. Now, turn your attention a little below and to the right. See that orange ‘‘star’’? That’s Mercury making its celestial cameo. While Jupiter may be seven times further away than Mercury, it shines 12 times brighter. Jupiter has the upper hand because it’s bigger, and its clouds are masters at reflecting sunlight.

If you own a telescope, brace yourself for an even more extraordinary sight. Even modest optical aid will reveal Mercury as a tiny crescent, with just over 30% of its disk illuminated by the sun. It’s like a little, celestial smiley face.

Both Mercury and Jupiter are moving through Aries...