Conjunction of Mercury, Jupiter, and the Moon

Conjunction of Mercury and Jupiter

Fig 1. Double conjunction of Jupiter and Mercury. View is centered on Jupiter, which moves closer to the horizon each night. Horizon is at bottom, rising. Numbers are azimuths. Twilight has been switched off in this simulation.

For details about the January 2009 conjunction, click here.

The planets Mercury and Jupiter will be close together in the west-southwest in late October.

Technically this is a double conjunction, since Mercury and Jupiter will come together, separate slightly, and then narrow again before going their separate ways (see animation). On Oct. 22, Mercury and Jupiter will be 3.87° apart, widening to 3.93° on Oct. 25, and finally narrowing to 3.15° on Nov. 1. By November, Mercury will be too dim and too low in the sunset to be seen.

Visibility:

• Only at early dusk -- do not wait for nightfall
• Binoculars helpful

The Moon Points to Mercury

Fig 2. Mercury, Jupiter, & the Moon. Horizon is at bottom. Look for the planets 10° to the right of southwest, and no more than 12° up.

Have you seen Mercury lately? Look for it on the evening of Monday, October 23, when a conjunction of Mercury, Jupiter, and the crescent Moon will make all three easy to find (see Fig. 2). Mercury may be dim, so binoculars are recommended. Mercury will be only about 10° above the level; if you live near mountains, you may have trouble finding it.

Visibility:

• Only at early dusk -- do not wait for nightfall
• 1 night only
• Binoculars helpful