If you have a clear view of the eastern horizon then don’t forget to watch illusive Mercury on the morning of May 6, 2024.
Mercury will be visible to the lower right of the 4% illuminated, waning crescent moon on the morning of May 6, 2024.
The close appearance of two celestial objects on our sky’s dome is called a conjunction. Here is the conjunction of the moon and Mercury.
On this day, the moon and Mercury will rise together about an hour before sunrise. So look near the horizon in the eastern sky about 30 minutes before sunrise to see the moon and Mercury.
Mercury is easily noticeable without an instrument like a pair of binoculars or a telescope. It will appear like a bright star near the moon to the naked eye.
You will see the phase of Mercury through a telescope. On this day, Mercury will be its waxing crescent phase and 36% illuminated.
Observers located in the northern hemisphere will struggle to observe Mercury for this morning apparition as it will be visible pretty low in the eastern sky.
However, it will be easier to spot Mercury from the southern hemisphere for this morning apparition as it will climb a decent height above the horizon before sunrise.
On this morning, you will see not only Mercury but also Mars and Saturn. Mars will be visible to the upper right of Mercury and Saturn will be visible to the upper right of Mars. So three planets will form a nice lineup in the eastern sky for early risers to enjoy.
Related article: What planets are visible in the night sky in May 2024?
Please bookmark Spaceandtelescope.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get latest space news, upcoming skywatching events and astronomy-related content.
