Don’t Miss This Stellar Encounter!

Get ready to gaze at the night sky! This Monday, June 30, Mercury is making a stunning approach to the Beehive Cluster, bringing a spectacular sight for stargazers. The tiny planet will be just under 3 degrees away from this impressive collection of young stars. If you have a clear view of the western horizon, grab your binoculars about an hour after sunset and witness this cosmic duo rising approximately 6 degrees high in the sky.

But wait, there's more! In just two days, on July 2, Mercury will be positioned a mere 1 degree southwest of the Beehive's center, appearing to glide through the outskirts of the cluster. It's a celestial event you won't want to miss!

What to Expect From Mercury Tonight

If you decide to look at Mercury through a telescope tonight, you'll notice it's starting to dim, currently shining at a magnitude of 0.3 with only 46% of its surface illuminated. Over the next few days, it will continue to fade slightly, dropping another 0.2 magnitude as it nears its greatest eastern elongation from the Sun on July 4, when it will sit 26 degrees east of our star.

Plan Your Evening:

Here are the key times to mark on your calendar: - **Sunrise:** 5:35 A.M. - **Sunset:** 8:33 P.M. - **Moonrise:** 11:09 A.M. - **Moon Phase:** Waxing crescent (30%) *Note: Times are based on local time at 40° N, 90° W, and the Moon's illumination is recorded at 12 P.M. local time.

So, stargazers, get your telescopes and binoculars ready! This is your chance to witness Mercury’s remarkable approach to the Beehive Cluster—a mesmerizing show that reminds us of the wonders of our universe.