Mercury Pierces the Zodiacal Light at Dawn this Weekend

universetoday.com ^ | October 30, 2014 | David Dickinson must not say on

[BenLurkin]

The most bashful of all the naked eye planets makes its best dawn appearance of 2014 this weekend for northern hemisphere observers. And not only will Mercury be worth getting up for, but you’ll also stand a chance at nabbing that most elusive of astronomical phenomena — the zodiacal light — from a good dark sky sight.

DST note: This post was written whilst we we’re visiting Arizona, a land that, we’re happy to report, does not for the most part observe the archaic practice of Daylight Saving Time. Life goes on, zombies do not arise, and trains still run on time.

In the surrounding world of North America, however, don’t forget to “fall back” one hour on Sunday morning, November 2nd. I know, I know. Trust me, we didn’t design the wacky system we’re stuck with today. All times noted below post-shift reflect this change, but it also means that you’ll have to awaken an hour earlier Sunday November 2nd onwards to begin your astronomical vigil for Mercury!

[BenLurkin]

The apparent daily path of Mercury as seen from 30 degrees north from October 21st to November 14th. Created using Starry Night Education Software.

[Don Corleone]

In Arizona but in this case Mts. to the east deprive me of a view close enough to the horizon to take advantage. Clear dark nights are something else however.

[Calvin Locke]

I keep trying to glimpse Mercury at sunset. When I remember, and the weather gods are busy elsewhere...

[Conan the Librarian]

most elusive of astronomical phenomena”

A bit hyperbolic. I see it almost every time we go to our dark sky site.

Now the Gegenschein. THAT is elusive.

[Pecos]

Gegenschein. The antisolar point. I learned something today. Cool.

[Conan the Librarian]

I am told you can see it out in the far western part of Oklahoma and in Australia, but, not many other places.