The next few nights bring our best chances this year to see the planet Mercury. The closest planet to the sun will appear through mid-April, low in the western sky about 30 minutes after sunset. Better still, Venus is brightening in the same part of the sky and will help us find Mercury's dimmer light. With clear skies, look due west for Venus, the brightest starlike object out there. You'll find Mercury just below Venus, and to the right. They're closest on April 3-4. Binoculars will help.

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