Mercury at its greatest western elongation: when and where to look for it in the sky

In early August, Ukrainians will have the opportunity to see Mercury with the naked eye. On the morning of August 2, 2026, the planet will reach its greatest western elongation - the maximum visible distance from the Sun in the morning sky, making this period the best for its observation from the Northern Hemisphere, including from Kyiv, reports UNN.

What is the greatest western elongation

The greatest western elongation is an astronomical configuration in which an inner planet reaches its maximum angular distance west of the Sun for an observer on Earth.

Since the orbits of Mercury and Venus are located inside Earth's orbit, they never rise on the opposite side of the sky from the Sun.

Why August 2 is the best time to see Mercury

On August 2, 2026, Mercury will reach its greatest morning elongation - the largest visible distance from the rising Sun. This morning appearance is best observed from the Northern Hemisphere.

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When to look and in which direction of the horizon

At the moment of greatest elongation, Mercury will be farthest from the sunrise point on the celestial dome.

After that, as it begins to approach the sunrise point, it will become slightly brighter, making it easier to observe in the morning twilight. It will be low above the horizon. On the morning of August 11, it will be joined by a young crescent Moon. And on August 15, it will have a close encounter with Jupiter.

The greatest elongation - the moment when Mercury is farthest from the blinding light of the sunrise - occurs on August 2, 2026, at approximately 8:00 UTC (5:00 AM Kyiv time). That morning, Mercury will shine with a magnitude of +0.1. At this time, Mercury will be located at a distance of 19 degrees from the Sun on the celestial sphere.

Experts advise not to point binoculars or telescopes at the Sun after sunrise, as this can cause serious eye damage.

From Kyiv, this visibility period will be quite favorable, but nevertheless, observation will be challenging.

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