STAR TRAK for April: Mercury makes best evening appearance
Tuesday, April 6, 2010 - 14:49
in Astronomy & Space
(PhysOrg.com) -- For observers at mid-northern latitudes, Mercury will make its best evening appearance of the year during the first half of April. During those two weeks, the elusive planet will be at least 10 degrees above the west-northwestern horizon a half-hour after sunset, lingering there until the end of twilight. It will fade considerably during that period, however, so binoculars may be needed to see it by midmonth. On April 8, Mercury will reach its greatest elongation from the sun.