COLUMBUS, Ohio — The moon has a date with four of the “naked eye” planets this week. Look in the east to the southeastern sky early in the week to see the show.
On Monday morning, the moon will be just below and left of Saturn and right of Mars. Venus and Jupiter will be off to the left low on the horizon.
Mercury will reach something known as greatest eastern elongation on Thursday. Basically, this is when the planet is typically farthest from the Sun’s glare so observing it is more favorable.
Look in the west-northwestern sky after sunset to find it. “The Pleiades” won’t be far off. They’ll be just above the planet.
Skies are darkening throughout the week as well. The new moon will officially arrive on Saturday at 4:28 p.m. in the afternoon. Stargazing should be easier with the darker skies.
We’ll also have a partial solar eclipse on Saturday but we won’t be able to see it. It’s visible in parts of South America and Antarctica.
Happy hunting!