Catch Venus and Mercury Shining Together in the Western Sky at Sunset on March 10 – Here’s How to See It Before They Vanish
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Venus and Mercury’s Rare Sunset Conjunction Marks the End of a Stunning Planet Parade – Don’t Miss It!
The rare planetary parade that has brought all seven of Earth’s neighboring worlds into view is coming to a close, but not before a stunning final show from the two planets closest to the sun. On Monday, March 10, if you can find a clear view low on the western horizon, you’ll be treated to a rare conjunction of Venus and Mercury. These two inner planets will appear close together in the sky just before they disappear behind the sun’s glare over the following nights.
Though Venus and Mercury will only be visible briefly after sunset, their close encounter is a sight you won’t want to miss. When two celestial objects appear to pass by each other in the sky, it’s called a conjunction, and this one is especially noteworthy. The best time to witness the event will be on March 10, when the two planets will be visible about half an hour after sunset, lingering in the sky for around 45 minutes.
This conjunction can be seen with the naked eye, but to get a better view, a pair of binoculars could help. However, what matters most is an unobstructed view due west and clear skies, as Venus and Mercury will be very close to the horizon.
The reason this conjunction is happening has to do with the movements of the planets. Venus, on its 225-day orbit around the sun, is currently catching up to Earth on the inside track and is at its closest point to our planet this month. From Earth, Venus will appear as a crescent through a telescope. In just a couple of weeks, on March 22, Venus will pass directly between the Earth and the sun in an event called superior conjunction. This means Venus will be lost in the sun’s glare for a few weeks before emerging once more in the predawn sky in April.
If you’re hoping to catch the conjunction, make sure to look westward on the evening of March 10. The planets won’t stay visible for long, so the window to see this celestial event is short but worth it. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just someone who enjoys watching the night sky, the sight of Venus and Mercury side by side will be a beautiful and rare moment to remember. So, grab your binoculars, head outside, and enjoy the show before these two planets slip out of view!
Mercury, which completes its orbit around the sun every 88 days, will reach its highest point in the evening sky on March 8. This marks one of the last chances to see the planet in the twilight sky before it begins its descent. As Mercury rises, Venus, which has been sinking lower in the sky, will soon vanish as well, marking the end of their brief but beautiful duet.
As Venus and Mercury exit, a few lingering traces of the “planetary parade” will still be visible after sunset. Saturn, already drifting behind the sun from Earth’s perspective, will be lost in the sun’s glare by March 12. This leaves only Mars and Jupiter as the remaining planets visible to the naked eye in the night sky.
While the show is winding down, the sight of Mars and Jupiter will still offer a spectacular view, even though the other planets have slipped away from sight. These two mighty planets will continue to shine brightly in the darkening sky, offering a reminder of the beauty and wonder that the planetary parade has provided in recent weeks.
So, even as Mercury and Venus disappear from view, don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the remaining celestial wonders. The planetary parade may be coming to an end, but the night sky still holds plenty of awe-inspiring sights