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Mercury Reaches Greatest Eastern Elongation on October 12
M
Moneycontrol•11-10-2026, 17:55
Mercury Reaches Greatest Eastern Elongation on October 12
- •Mercury will reach its greatest eastern elongation on October 12 at 6:02 am EDT, positioning itself about 25 degrees east of the Sun.
- •Observers in the Southern Hemisphere, including Australia, South Africa, and Argentina, will have the best viewing conditions.
- •The planet is best viewed shortly after local sunset by looking toward the clear western horizon in the fading twilight.
- •A thin crescent Moon will also appear nearby in the evening sky, adding to the celestial display.
- •A clear view of the horizon without tall buildings or trees is essential, and binoculars can help spot the planet safely after the Sun sets.
Key Questions Answered
Greatest eastern elongation is when Mercury reaches its greatest angular distance east of the Sun from Earth's perspective, making it appear as an evening object after sunset.
Observers in the Southern Hemisphere, including countries like Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, and Chile, will have better viewing conditions.
Skywatchers should find an open location with an unobstructed western horizon and look shortly after sunset when the Sun is completely below the horizon.
