The Moon pairs with Mars tonight

Tonight, the moon will pair with Mars. You can also get a great view of Mercury after sunset tonight!

The Red Planet is already fading significantly after an impressive showing during the fall. In October, Mars was brighter than it will be until 2035. However, it will still look quite bright again by the next opposition which is in December of 2022. 

Graphic made using Stellarium

If you are outside after sunset, now is a great time to find Mercury. The closest planet to the sun is bright, but hard to spot. The reason it’s so hard to spot is due to its close proximity to the sun. On Jan. 24, it will reach its greatest elongation. In other words on Jan. 24, Mercury will be at its farthest distance from the sun in its orbit as viewed from Earth. This just makes it easier to spot Mercury since it will be up for about an hour after sunset. 

Check out this recent shot of the Moon….

Happy planet hunting! Thanks for reading. Just look up; you never know what you will see!