Don’t Miss Your Final Opportunity to Observe the Rocky Planets During Nighttime

The solar system consists of eight planets and five dwarf planets, but the real action takes place in the inner solar system where the rocky planets are located.

The four closest planets to the sun—Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars—are relatively near each other and often emit a bright glow in each other’s night skies. If you’ve been observing the planets this year, you’ll know that Venus and Mars have been visible all along.

Occasionally, all four rocky planets shine brightly together—and that’s exactly what will happen this week as the fast-moving Mercury joins the duo just as the planetary festivities are coming to an end.

ADVERTISEMENT

Starting from Wednesday, July 19, 2023, you will be able to observe Mercury in the post-sunset sky, rising each night to join Venus and Mars.

It’s advisable to look towards the northwest, preferably from a location with a clear view of the horizon. Binoculars may come in handy for locating Mercury.

As for the fourth rocky planet, you can simply look around you to find Earth!

However, time is running out to witness the sight of all four inner planets, as Venus will disappear from view when it sinks into the sun’s glare in just five nights. Mars won’t lag far behind, and Mercury won’t stay visible beyond early next week.

This is your final opportunity to observe the inner solar system within a minute.

Below is a breakdown of what you will see over the course of those five nights:

ADVERTISEMENT

Wednesday, July 19: Mercury Joins Venus, Mars And The Moon

Mercury will be located to the lower right of a 5% crescent moon, with bright Venus to its left and Mars to its upper-right (in between Mars and Venus, you will find the star Regulus in Leo).

ADVERTISEMENT

Thursday, July 20: Mercury Rises, Venus Sinks and the Moon Sits Near Mars

If you look west tonight, you will notice Mercury positioned higher in the night sky, while Venus is positioned lower. Additionally, there will be a 10% illuminated crescent moon next to Mars.

Friday, July 21: Mars and Venus Align With The Crescent Moon as Mercury Rises

Tonight, you can enjoy the stunning view of Mars and Venus aligning with a 15% lit crescent moon. Mercury will be positioned to the right of Venus, still low on the horizon, and it will reach its highest point in its short appearance.

ADVERTISEMENT

Saturday, July 22: Venus on the Cusp as Mercury Peaks

It would be advisable to step outside a bit earlier tonight to search for the planets in a brighter sky, as Venus is now on the verge of disappearing completely.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sunday, July 23: Last Call for Inner Solar System Views

This is your last opportunity to observe the three other rocky planets in the night sky, as Venus continues to fade and is now only visible during early twilight. However, you should still be able to see Mercury, which will be slightly closer to Venus tonight, and Mars above.

Wishing you clear skies and an awe-inspiring experience.

Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.