Save the date! Mercury is nearly at its Greatest Western Elongation

Mercury will soon be at its Greatest Western Elongation and you don’t want to miss it! Here is how and when you will see it in South Africa.

Sep 28, 2022 - 08:13
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Save the date! Mercury is nearly at its Greatest Western Elongation

On Saturday, 8 October 2022, the planet Mercury will reach its greatest western elongation of 18 degrees from the Sun.

What is the best time to view the planet?

This is regarded as the BEST time to view Mercury as it will sit at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky. Those interested in seeing Mercury can look for the planet low in the eastern sky before sunrise.

Mercury is considered small and lies quite close to the all-brightening Sun. Therefore, attempting to view the planet poses somewhat of a challenge for many. With Mercury at its Greatest Western Elongation, the planet can be seen just before sunrise.

Reports state that the best times to view Mercury in all its glory would be within a week of its greatest elongation. This is because the planet appears to be at its farthest distance from the Sun (from the viewpoint of Earth).

Those interested in seeing Mercury can look for the planet low in the eastern sky before sunrise. Image: Stock Image / Pixabay

What does it mean for Mercury to be in its Greatest Western Elongation?

Elongation means the angular separation between the Sun and a planet or other bodies as observed from Earth. Elongations are measured in degrees, this can either be eastward or westward of the Sun, according to The SAO Encyclopedia of Astronomy.

Mercury and Venus are both planets that have elongations from the Sun. The Greatest Western Elongation means that the planets are visible as morning objects that rise shortly before the sun does.

WARNING: Those preparing to wake up early or stay up in order to see Mercury are advised to ensure they do not point binoculars or a telescope in the direction of the Sun or try to observe the planet while any part of the Sun is above the horizon. This can cause permanent eye damage!

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