Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Mercury Merges with Jupiter (before sunrise)

On the mornings surrounding Tuesday, June 4, speedy Mercury's trip sunward will carry it extremely close to Jupiter. The two planets will shine above the east-northeastern horizon just before sunrise. Their separation will be narrow enough for them to share the view in binoculars or a small telescope from Monday to Wednesday, with Mercury positioned above doubly bright Jupiter on Monday and then below it on Wednesday. During their closest approach on Tuesday, they'll be a mere 0.2 degrees apart. The conjunction will be difficult to see against the bright sky. Observers in the tropics will have an easier time seeing the duo, especially around 6 a.m. local time. Be sure to turn all optical aids away from the eastern horizon before the sun rises.

(Data courtesy of Starry Night)
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* Origin: CJ's Place, Orange City FL > cjsplace.thruhere.net (21:2/156)