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Mercury Hits Max Western Elongation, Early UK Dawn Viewing

8/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

United Kingdom observers saw Mercury reach its greatest western elongation on Sunday, giving it maximum apparent distance from the Sun.
In London, an unobstructed east-north-east view at 04:30 BST on Tuesday places Mercury a handspan above the horizon until 05:00, with sunrise at 05:28 prompting observers to stop using binoculars before then.
Mars will also appear higher in the eastern sky, offering another easy target for observers.

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Story summary

United Kingdom observers saw Mercury reach its greatest western elongation on Sunday, giving it maximum apparent distance from the Sun.
In London, an unobstructed east-north-east view at 04:30 BST on Tuesday places Mercury a handspan above the horizon until 05:00, with sunrise at 05:28 prompting observers to stop using binoculars before then.
Mars will also appear higher in the eastern sky, offering another easy target for observers.