• Tim Johnson

Crescent Moon and Mercury

The best astronomical next week is in the early morning skies. On Monday morning look for a thin crescent moon high in the eastern sky before sunrise. In the next three mornings, the moon will appear to descend towards the horizon. Take your pick for a pretty scene.

On Wednesday morning, an hour before sunrise, look for a thin crescent moon right above the horizon and next to the planet Mercury. The two are so close, close enough to have a conversation.

It is critical that the sky near the horizon is clear, to give you possibly one of the most treasured moments of the season.

Mercury is already the most difficult planet to spot whether it is setting in the west after sunset, or rising in the east before sunrise. Mercury is the hardest planet to spot.

Seeing Mercury and a crescent moon is a welcome event.

Sunrise and Sunset
Day Sunrise Sunset
Fri., Oct. 29 7:09 5:40
Sat., Oct. 30 7:10 5:39
Sun., Oct. 31 7:12 5:38
Mon., Nov. 1 7:13 5:36
Tues., Nov. 2 7:14 5:35
Wed., Nov. 3 7:15 5:34
Thurs., Nov. 4 7:16 5:33
Fri., Nov. 5 7:18 5:31
Temperatures and Precipitations
Day Max (Fº) Min (Fº) Inches
Oct. 22 72 621 0.00
Oct. 23 71 53 0.00
Oct. 24 64 46 0.00
Oct. 25 60 46 0.24
Oct. 26 72 56 1.04
Oct. 27 65 51 1.57
Oct. 28 56 49 0.14

 

Water temperature in Edgartown harbor: 59º F

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