Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter Light Up the Evening Sky
Half an hour after sunset, Mercury can be seen 6° above the western horizon, shining at magnitude –1.1.
Mercury is increasing in visibility after superior conjunction and is now easily identifiable in the evening sky. Observers can spot the planet low on the western horizon, offering a clear target for those looking shortly after sunset.
Jupiter is the highest of the three, located in eastern Gemini at magnitude –1.9. Venus lies between Jupiter and Mercury, shining brilliantly at magnitude –3.9.
Observers can locate Mercury by drawing a line from Jupiter through Venus toward the horizon.
Telescope Observations
For those with a telescope, Venus appears 13" across with 81% of its disk lit. Mercury is 84% lit and measures 6" wide.
Viewing Guidance
The article provides viewing guidance for the evening of May 24, noting that by May 25, Mercury is readily visible after sunset.