Mercury has begun an apparition as a morning star following its inferior conjunction between Earth and Sun on 2008 FEB 06. It will achieve its greatest western elongation of 27.1° on MAR 03 before descending to superior conjunction beyond the Sun on APR 16. The waning crescent Moon will appear near Mercury during the morning of MAR 05 (MAR 06 in the eastern hemisphere).

This will be a fine apparition for southern hemisphere observers but somewhat of a challenge for those of us in the north. I’ve created panoramic graphics for folks in both hemispheres. They can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html

Photos and descriptions of Mercury will be welcome additions to this thread.

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Curt Renz - "Centaur"
For monthly astronomical calendar visit:
www.CurtRenz.com/astronomical