Topic: Venus and Mercury

[Clive]

This weekend, Venus and Mercury are converging in the western sky for a sunset conjunction. At closest approach on Sunday, April 4th, the solar system's innermost planets will be just 3 degrees apart. You can see them easily with the naked eye--no telescope required.  Mercury is surprisingly bright yet not that many people ever get to see it.  Venus is quite unmistakable because it will be the brightest object in the sky.  This is the best chance of the year to locate Mercury and even a small telescope will show its phases (and those of Venus).  Both planets are in the constellation of Pisces.

[Simon]

Where should we look?

[Sandra]

Upwards 

[Rik]

I figured the clue was in "are converging in the western sky".

[Clive]

Venus and Mercury are converging in the western sky

 Look north-west.

[Rik]

There's a house in the way, Clive, should I demolish it?

[Simon]

I can only see south from my window.  This means I'll have to go outside. 

Sandra, have you been at the garlic, or did someone forget to nail your lid down? 

[Rik]

 

[Clive]

There's a house in the way, Clive, should I demolish it?

Well worth it Rik.   

I can only see south from my window.  This means I'll have to go outside. 

Wimp!    The glass in your double glazed window will make it difficult to see so pit your coat on and enjoy the view.  With any luck your neighbour might have left her bedroom blinds open.   

[Simon]

Pit my coat on?    Are you typing on a phone, Clive? 

[Clive]

   OK I've seen them for myself.  The planets are due west right now and Mercury is the much fainter object to the right of Venus.  They will sink lower and track towards northwest as the evening progresses.  This is a really awesome opportunity to see these two innermost planets of the Sun together.  Just think also that the Messenger probe is well on its way to go into orbit around Mercury.  It's already overflown the planet a couple of times in the past year.

[Rodders]

Phew!  For a moment there, I thought I'd tuned in to 'Allo 'Allo! by mistake.

[Clive]

   Hope you have clear skies Rod.  The planets will remain close to each other for another 2 weeks but Mercury is at its brightest right now. 

[Rodders]

In keeping with the Law of Sod, it's raining cats & dogs here in Sunny Bournemouth right now and shows no sign of stooping. 

[Clive]

The weather forecast for the next week is pretty good so I'm sure you will get a chance to see it Rod.  More information about it HERE