October morning sky fills with planets

William Atkins
Sunday, 04 October 2009 18:39

Science - Space

And, although dimmer, the innermost planet Mercury will have a magnitude of -0.6, while ringed-planet Saturn will be shining at a still dimmer magnitude of +1.1.

Then, on October 13, 2009, with Venus lower in the sky (still the brightest of the three, and only about a half degree from Venus), you will see the pair situated above Mercury in the eastern sky.

About three days later, on October 16, 2009, and still about forty-five minutes before dawn, look eastward again to see the three planets almost in a straight vertical line.

Saturn is highest in the sky, Venus in the middle, and Mercury nearest to the horizon.

And, as an added bonus, a thin crescent Moon appears to the right of Venus.

Check out the Sky and Telescope article "Planet Trio Dances at Dawn," for images of the three planets in the morning sky during the month of October.

And, then, have your first cup of coffee over the sight of Venus, Saturn, and Mercury ... with the Moon thrown in for good measure.