Today:
The planet Mercury presents a challenge to see, even when it’s at its best. Tonight, though, the slender Crescent Moon acts as an excellent guide to our elusive, inner-most planet. With the twilight ebbing between 5:45 and 6 o’clock, look low in the west-southwest, where a low, level view of the horizon welcomes the Moon. Just above the Moon, a bright spark of light appears – the planet Mercury reflecting the nearby Sun.
Thursday:
After crossing the sky this afternoon, the waxing crescent Moon will lower in the west this evening. As the light from the sunset dims, an object will appear below to the left of the Moon. Of a subtle yellow, the is the planet Saturn, which is 99.9 percent illuminated, but almost ten times as distant as the Sun.
Friday:
While the Moon is still thin, notice that the Milky Way arches from southeast, between the stars of Orion on the right, and the celestial dogs on the left, then overhead, dropping back down into the northwest. The Milky Way is much fainter and more subtle this time of year, compared to the Summer, because we are looking toward its outer edges.