Mars is at its solar conjunction on October 7, 2021. It begins a slow return into the morning sky. By year’s end it appears low in the southeastern sky with the moon.
Mercury
2021, September 13: Mercury at Greatest Elongation
September 13, 2021: Mercury reaches greatest elongation tonight. It is a challenge to see in the bright twilight.
2021, September 7, 8: Mercury, Lunar Crescent
September 7 & 8, 2021: The crescent moon, emerging from bright sunlight after its New moon phase, appears near Mercury on these evenings. On September 8, use a binocular to find the crescent 5.0° to the upper right of the speedy planet.
2021, September 6: Evening Planets
September 6, 2021: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn shine in the evening sky. The moon is at its New moon phase at 7:52 p.m. CDT.
2021, August 31: Morning Moon, Evening Planet Spectacular
August 31, 2021: The morning moon is caught between the Bull’s Horns. During the evening three bright planets – Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn – sparkle in the sky.
2021, August 27: Morning Moon, Evening Inner Planets
August 27, 2021: The bright moon is near Aries in the morning sky. Look for Venus and Mercury shortly after sunset.
2021, August 22: Evening Star Venus Steps Through Virgo
August 22, 2021: Brilliant Evening Star Venus continues to step through Virgo after sundown. It is to the lower left of Spica and near Porrima and Zaniah.
2021, August 21: Jupiter, Blue Moon
August 21, 2021: Bright Jupiter is near the Blue Moon this evening. The lunar term has several definitions.
2021, August 20: Five Planets, Harvest Moon Effect
August 20, 2021: Five bright planets are visible after sunset this evening. During the next few evenings, a month before the Harvest Moon, get a preview of the harvest moon effect.
2021, August 19: Moon, Five Evening Planets
August 19, 2021: The moon, Mars, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter span the sky this evening shortly after sunset.