Mercury’s greatest western elongation
As we know Mercury is the planet closest to our sun and it is very unlikely, we can see it on daily basis, but here’s an opportunity to see Mercury with telescope and even with our naked eyes. On the morning of 25 th October 2021 at 9:15 IST Mercury (with respect to Earth) will be on the most Western point possible from sun at an altitude of 18 degrees from the horizon. As, like other planets, Mercury also have an elliptical orbit and because of the relative positions of Earth, Sun and Mercury; Mercury’s altitude starts increasing from 22 nd September and reaches its peak on 25 th October because of its greatest western elongation (increasing angular distance relative to us between Mercury from sun where Mercury drifts apart from Sun towards west) and then as gradually it occurred, it will start moving towards Sun and will be invisible because of Sun’s mighty bright light. So, 25 th , 26 th and 27 th October are the best days to get a chance to see Mercury. So, what should you do ...