December 27, 2024: Before sunrise, Mercury and the Moon appear with Scorpius. After sundown, the Evening Star passes Capricornus’ tail.
by Jeffrey L. Hunt
Chicago, Illinois: Sunrise, 7:17 a.m. CDT; Sunset, 4:27 p.m. CST. Check local sources for sunrise and sunset times. Times are calculated by the US Naval Observatory’s MICA computer program.
Morning Mercury, Moon
At 45 minutes before sunrise, look to the southeast for the crescent moon, 12% illuminated, over 15° above the horizon and 6.6° to Dschubba’s upper right, the Scorpion’s forehead.
The moon’s night gently shines from earthshine, reflected sunlight from Earth’s oceans, clouds, and land. Photograph the effect with a tripod-mounted camera and exposures up to a few seconds, although a hand-held camera can capture the seen if it is held steadily.
Look carefully for Mercury, less than 10° above the horizon and nearly 20° to the lunar crescent’s lower left. The speedy world is bright as it shines through dawn’s early light. Use a binocular to see it along with Antares, the Scorpion’s brightest star, 7.6° to the planet’s lower right. They are too far apart to see them in the same field of view. Begin at Mercury and move the binocular slightly to the lower right to see the Scorpion’s heart.
Venus, Capricornus’ Tail
After sundown, Venus is “that bright star” in the southwestern sky. This evening it sets nearly four hours after sundown.
The Evening Star passes 1.1° to the upper right of Deneb Algedi, Capricornus’ tail. Venus continues to step eastward, crossing into Aquarius on the 31st.
Venus is part of a nightly five planet parade. This evening it is closing in on a conjunction with Saturn on January 18th. Tonight’s gap is over 20°.
Bright Jupiter is in the eastern sky during the evening. By three hours after sundown, Mars – low in the east-northeast – Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus span the sky. Mercury is again visible tomorrow before sunrise in the southeast.
Look for Mercury and the Moon before sunrise and Venus near Capricornus’ tail after nightfall.
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