Mercury and Venus in the Early Evening Sky

Mercury and Venus appear in the western sky in the very early evening from now until about April 15Th. The best time to see them is about 30 minutes after sunset. Look for Venus first as it is the far brighter of the two and once you find it you will be able to use it to home in on Mercury, which is lower in the sky but quite close.

First find Venus. It will be about one hand span up from the horizon. Face to the west, extend your arm as if you are pointing, spread your fingers and put your thumb at the horizon - Venus should be at the level of your little finger. The planet will be a steady, bright light. Planets don't twinkle as much as stars.

Mercury is harder to find but will be below and to the right of Venus. Be patient. As the sky darkens it will be easier to see. A pair of good binoculars would make it easier to see but it is visible with the naked eye. Finding it the first time is the hard part, once you've located it you will probably be able to find it again.

Mercury will be waning from gibbous to crescent stage over the viewing period but if you are looking with the naked eye, you won't be able to see that. The planet will just appear to be a small steady light. Bring out even a small telescope and you'll see Mercury in ever smaller slices as the month passes.

Mercury is not a common sight in the sky for those of us in the mid-northern United States and is hard to spot so this Venus/Mercury pairing is a great opportunity to see it.

Incidentally, a hand span equals approximately 15 degrees of the sky. That's true no matter how big or how little you are due to the relationship between the length of your arm and the size of your hand. Also,the tip of your little fingernail is about the width of the full moon, which is one half degree. Try it, it's a neat trick.

We have had to drive out to a more open area to view the two planets. Our tree lined corner has no horizon to speak of and the city light glow would probably wash out Mercury even if we could see that low. The first attempt we made was a bit early in the month so only Venus was visible but last night, Bob went out by himself and saw both of the planets. I was busy with an Easter project so I stayed in but before the event is over, I hope to see them, too.

I hope you have clear weather and a good spot for viewing.

The above images are Mercury on the top and Venus on the bottom. They are courtesy of WPCLipart.