Mercury admirers, look to the early evening’s twilight sky as the swift-moving planet reaches its highest position Thurs, Feb. 19. Due to Mercury’s close orbit of the Sun, observers have just a few weeks at a time to glimpse the planet at dusk or dawn. With visibility so near to sunset, take care to avoid looking directly at the Sun. Although Mercury will reach peak altitude in a couple of days, it appears brighter starting now.

At 6 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 20, a sliver of a moon may guide the way to not only spotting Mercury, but also the planet Venus, which will be even closer to the horizon. Venus is the brightest of the planets, and this month begins its rise as an evening apparition. About halfway between Mercury and the Moon, continuing its slow descent into the Sun’s glare, is the ringed planet Saturn. Near Saturn, and only visible with a small telescope, is Neptune. This faint dotted line of planets culminates in the crescent moon.

A week later, Sat., Feb. 28, six planets will arc across the sky. About an hour after sunset, take in a lovely view of Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, and Venus. Mercury and Venus leave the sky quickly, but telescopic observers can add Uranus and Neptune to the evening’s viewing, as well as the nearly full moon beaming by Jupiter.