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Tribune News Network
Doha
The nearest planet to the sun 'Mercury' will be at highest point over eastern horizon of Qatar sky on Sunday, April 29, when it will be at the greatest elongation with the sun, Qatar Calendar House (QCH) has announced.
During this time, Mercury will be at furthest angular distance with the sun as observed from earth, where an elongation angle will be 27 degrees western sun's centre, the QCH said.
Astronomy expert at QCH Dr Beshir Marzouk said,"Mercury's orbit is very close to the sun that is why it is not possible to observe Mercury always. Hence, this phenomenon is very important because it will be the best time to observe Mercury over eastern horizon because it will be arriving the highest point above the eastern horizon of Qatar sky. Moreover, after greatest elongation time, the distance between Mercury and sun will be decreasing every day.
Residents of Qatar and Arab countries will have a good chance to observe Mercury at dawn sky before sunrise time, from places without environmental and light pollutions.
Besides, Qatar residents can see Mercury over eastern horizon of Qatar sky for one hour and 12 minutes approximately from rising time of Mercury till sunrise time. The rising time of Mercury will be 3:48am, while sunrise time will be at 5am Doha local time. Dr Marzouk added.
Mercury was last at greatest elongation over eastern horizon on the first day of this year, while it will become at greatest elongation over the eastern horizon again on August 26, 2018.
The elongation is the angle between the planet and the sun as seen from earth, the planet arrives the furthest distance from the sun when it is at greatest elongation (east or west).
