Even though the planet Mercury is one of the brightest objects in the sky, it is one of the most rarely seen. But this week is one of the few occasions when the small planet is well-placed for skywatchers.
Although Mercury is always brighter than Saturn at its brightest, very few stargazers have ever seen it. As the innermost planet in the solar system, it never strays far from the sun, so is always seen against a bright background of twilight.
The Astronomical Research Center A.R.C mentioned that twice each year, once in the evening and once in the morning, Mercury stands highest in the sky, giving skywatchers the best opportunity to spot it, weather permitting. This week is its best morning appearance of the whole year.
Rise and shine Mercury
To try and see Mercury, skywatchers should go out any morning this week about a half hour before sunrise. You will need a low cloudless sky and unobstructed view of the eastern horizon.
Look just above where the sun will rise and you should spot tiny Mercury about 10 degrees above the horizon. A human fist held at arm's length covers about 10 degrees of the sky.
You may have to sweep with binoculars to see Mercury at first, but once spotted it should be visible to the unaided eye.
In a small telescope, you will see Mercury as a tiny half moon. It will probably look as if it's submersed in boiling water because of the turbulence of the Earth's atmosphere.