Mercury, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars will be seen together
Quote:
Mercury and Jupiter: On Sept. 20, Jupiter will rise in the east-northeast at 3 a.m. local daylight time, moving fairly high in the sky just before dawn. If you make the effort to set up a telescope before the sun rises, you can be among the first to see what became of Jupiter’s tumultuous cloud belts and Great Red Spot while the planet hid within the sun's glare from early June through early August. On this morning, you'll find Jupiter hovering 5.5 degrees to the upper left of a waning crescent moon. (For reference, 10 degrees is about the distance covered by your clenched fist held against the sky at arm's length.) [Best Stargazing Events of September (Sky Maps)]
Look for Mercury just above the western horizon about 30 minutes after sunset. Binoculars will help skywatchers find the planet in the evening sky. Don't confuse it with the star Spica twinkling to its upper left. Spica closes in on Mercury and passes only 0.6 degrees above the planet on Sept. 20.
Mercury's greatest eastern elongation also occurs on Sept. 20; however, people in most northern United States cities won't have a great view. The planet will barely be visible above the horizon even though it will stand 26 degrees from the sun during midtwilight. On the other hand, observers in southern cities — in Florida, the Gulf Coast and South Texas — should be able to see Mercury. The planet will be several degrees higher at the time, and could potentially be seen with the naked eye.
n Florida, the Gulf Coast and South Texas — should be able to see Mercury. The planet will be several degrees higher at the time, and could potentially be seen with the naked eye.
