Prepare for a Celestial Treat!

Mark your calendars! On September 2nd, early risers will have the rare chance to witness Mercury, the swift planet, making a brief appearance right before dawn alongside the brilliant star Regulus.

Where to Look and When!

To catch this elusive sight, head to a spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon an hour before sunrise. Mercury will be popping up just before the sun, so be ready!

The View Is Stunning!

Mercury will shine like a morning star close to the constellations of Leo, with Regulus—known as the "heart of the lion"—just under 2 degrees to its lower right. For reference, if you extend your little finger at arm's length, that’s roughly 1 degree in the sky.

Don’t Miss the Planetary Line-Up!

Look to the upper right of Mercury, and you will spot Venus glowing strongly. Further out, Jupiter will create a stunning diagonal alignment of our solar system’s planets. If you have a 6-inch telescope, you can even gaze at Jupiter's cloud bands and catch glimpses of Venus's lunar-like phases. However, it’s advisable to skip the binoculars or telescopes for Mercury due to its close proximity to the rising sun.

A Brief Encounter!

As the planet closest to the sun, Mercury doesn’t climb very high in the sky. On September 2nd, it will only reach about 6 degrees above the horizon from New York before being washed out by sunlight.

What’s Next for Mercury?

After this exciting sighting, Mercury will become nearly invisible as it draws nearer to the sun, especially leading up to its solar conjunction on September 13th. But don't worry—later this year, it will return, dazzling us in the evening sky low on the western horizon after sunset!

Get Ready to Stargaze!

This is an astronomical event you won’t want to miss! Grab your friends or loved ones and experience the wonder of the cosmos together!