Planet Mercury will be visible very close to the setting sun at twilight along with Jupiter from March 28, 2023.
Mercury will keep on rising higher until its greatest eastern elongation happens on April 11, 2023, when it will be at a maximum separation from the sun, and hence, easily visible in the western sky as a bright orange object.
Jupiter, which was a strikingly powerful sighting in the western sky for the last few months, now loses its brilliance as it is setting for the season and can only be observed for some time during sunset – its brightness outshined by the summer twilight and haze.
Venus and Mars are visible higher up in the west very clearly during the same period.
Mars continues to be in Gemini throughout the entire period and is visible as a bright red dot, forming a striking red triangle with the red giant stars Aldebaran in Taurus and Betelgeuse in the Orion constellation.
All these, along with the moon, which moves steadily through the sky until April 6, can be observed by the naked eye as well as with binoculars and telescopes.
The elusive Uranus, presently in the constellation Aries, is also a part of the planetary parade but is difficult to observe through the city's light pollution. To observe this planet, a trip to a remote location without lights with a good telescope would be a good idea.
The Public Astronomical Observatory at Junta House in Panjim will remain open for the general public from 6.45 pm to 9 pm throughout the period, except on Sundays.
There are no charges for the viewing and entry is free.
Along with all these, the visitors can also enjoy sighting constellations, prominent stars and a few nebulae and star clusters through the high-magnification telescopes at the observatory.
Details
What: Planet sighting event
Where: Public Astronomical Observatory at Junta House in Panjim
When: March 28 to April 11
Time: 6.45 pm to 9 pm every day, except Sunday
Fee: Entry is free