INDIANA – Stargazers are in for a celestial challenge tonight as the two inner planets, Mercury and Mars, make a brief and tantalizing appearance close together on the southwestern horizon shortly after sunset. However, you’ll need to be quick—this is a viewing opportunity that won’t last long.
Tonight, November 12, presents a window to spot the elusive planets before they swiftly dip out of sight.
- Mercury, the innermost planet, will be positioned roughly 5 degrees above the southwestern horizon at sunset.
- Mars, characterized by its reddish light, will be shining approximately 1 degree to the upper right of Mercury.
For a helpful guide in the night sky, remember that the width of your three middle fingers held at arm’s length covers about 5 degrees, while your little finger’s span is roughly 1 degree.
Spotting both planets will require vigilance due to the glare of the setting sun. They will become easier to see only as the sun drops deeper below the horizon. The key is to find a location with a clear, unobstructed view to the southwest, as both worlds will set less than an hour after the sun.
Due to their proximity to the sun in the sky this month, utmost caution must be exercised when attempting to view them. Never point binoculars or a telescope in the direction of the planets until the sun is safely and entirely below the horizon to prevent severe eye damage.
This appearance marks a tight convergence before both planets move closer to the sun in Earth’s sky. Mercury is heading toward its solar conjunction—when it is closest to the sun—on November 20. Mars will follow suit with its own solar conjunction in January 2026.
To ensure you don’t miss the window, check the exact sunset time for your location using resources like the TimeandDate website.
