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  • BBC Sky at Night

    THE PLANETS

    Nov 18, 2021 3 minutes

    PICK OF THE MONTH

    Mercury

    Best time to see: 31 December, 30 minutes after sunset

    Altitude: 5° (low)

    Location: Sagittarius

    Direction: Southwest

    Features: Phase, surface shadings with larger instruments

    Recommended equipment: 75mm, or larger

    Although it’s poorly placed at the start of December, the planet Mercury’s position improves towards the end of the month, aided by that brilliant beacon of the twilight sky, Venus. On 19 December, Mercury sets around 35 minutes after the Sun and despite shining at mag.

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