The rise and fall of Mercury June 2006: Both the innermost and
outermost planets put on good shows this month, competing with
Jupiter for observers' attention. June 1, 2006 |It takes just 3
or 4 weeks for the solar system's innermost planet to pop into
view, swing through a short arc in the evening twilight, and
slump back into the Sun's glare. Unlike the outer planets, which
offer several months of good viewing, you need to plan carefully
to catch fleet-footed Mercury. | First, choose a spot with an
unobstructed view toward the west-northwestern horizon. Mark the
point on the horizon where the Sun sets. Return 30 to 45 minutes
later with binoculars and scan just above your mark. You won't
miss the bright, peach-colored dot glowing against the orange
twilight. Mercury will be tough to see before May 27, but it
gets easier with each passing day as the planet moves farther
from the Sun and climbs higher in the darkening sky. You are
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