Rare chance to see Planet Mercury

Stargazers in the City are in for an astronomical delight. They can have a clear view of Mercury and Venus on November 10.
The celestial phenomena will continue till November 16. Mercury is the planet closest to the sun.
“This will be a good chance for one to look for Mercury, which is often considered to be a planet not seen by many,” said Arvind Paranjpye, scientific officer for public outreach at Pune-based Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, in his note to stargazers across the country.

To appear brilliant

Venus, Mercury and Antares (Jyestha) will appear brilliant in the constellation Scorpio on November 10, experts have said.

Paranjpye said on November 13, Venus and Mercury will be closest to each other and both of them a little above Antares. The two planets will continue to rise but after November 16, Mercury will again slide down to the horizon but Venus will continue to climb above the horizon shining brilliantly, he added.

On Western horizon

“I spotted what appeared like Mercury on the western horizon a couple days ago,” said Pavan Keshavamurthy, an amateur astronomer in the City.