Tricky tiny Mercury easier to see in sky for a bit

[March 30, 2010]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Mercury, the solar system's most elusive planet, will be easier to see for the next two weeks.

Astronomers say that Mercury and Venus will appear unusually close together between now and April 10. Because Venus is one of the brightest objects in the night sky it can be used as a pointer to find the hard-to-see Mercury.

Just look in the lower western sky about an hour after sunset. Find Venus and look down and to the right for Mercury.

They will appear closest together on April 3 and 4, but Venus is really on the other side of the sun.

Mercury is the solar system's smallest planet and it looks pink. Miami Space Transit Planetarium director Jack Horkheimer (HORK-hi-mur) calls Mercury the pinkie of the planets.

[Associated Press]

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