TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taipei Astronomical Museum (台北市立天文館) announced on Thursday (March 6) that Mercury will reach its "greatest eastern elongation" on Saturday, when its angular distance from the sun will be at its largest, providing optimal visibility.
The museum explained that Mercury, the closest planet to the sun at an average distance of 57.9 million kilometers, is often obscured by the sun's glare. However, the days surrounding the elongation offer the best viewing chances. During this event, Mercury will have an angular distance of approximately 18.2 degrees from the sun, with a brightness of -0.4 magnitude. At sunset, Mercury will be about 17 degrees above the horizon.
The museum advised that viewers should seize the opportunity to observe Mercury before it dips below the horizon at 7:20 p.m. Observers can locate the bright Venus in the western sky, with Mercury shining with a white glow just below and to the left of it. Binoculars are recommended for assistance.
Stargazers in Taipei will soon have a prime opportunity to observe Mercury, a planet typically difficult to spot. As Mercury moves closer to the sun after the elongation, its crescent shape will become more pronounced. By late March, it will set with the sun and become invisible. Enthusiasts are encouraged to take advantage of this rare celestial event while it lasts.