ApolloHoax.net
Off Topic => General Discussion => Topic started by: Kiwi on October 13, 2012, 09:54:39 AM
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From about 1 to 11 November 2012, Mercury will do a U-shaped loop around Delta Scorpii (Dschubba) at a maximum distance from the star of 1 degree 37 minutes, according to my astronomy program, Sky Map Pro version 7.0.8 1992-2000.
It seems like it might be a good thing to photograph for an illustration of direct and retrograde motion, but unfortunately the sun is only about 13 degrees from Mercury on the evening of the 11th, so may be too close for good visibility. Here in New Zealand the ecliptic forms a steep angle to the west-southwest horizon at that time, but being late spring, the evening twilights are getting longer.
Two astronomical calendars for 2012 that I have from the UK and US don't mention the event, nor could I find it via a quick Google, and just stumbled across it when browsing.