You learned about the planets in grade school and know that Mercury is the closest to the sun, but if you were anything like me, you figured you would never see that or any other planet in your lifetime. False! In fact, this year alone, you can spot Mercury a whopping 3 times with your naked eye! Here’s how you can view Mercury with the naked eye in Colorado in 2023:

Mark your calendars, as January 30th, May 29th, and September 22nd are slated to be the 2023 dates for Mercury's best viewability in the western hemisphere!
Flickr/Robert Couse-Baker
As per Sea and Sky, Mercury will be at or near 25 degrees from the sun on each of these dates, meaning it is "at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky."
Flickr/Hayden Liu
As the last line implies, the best time to see Mercury these days is in the morning, specifically right before sunrise.
Flickr/Luis Argerich

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While the peak days will be on January 30th, May 29th, and September 22nd, you may still be able to see Mercury before and after these days, with viewings slated to begin in the middle of each month.
Flickr/Luis Argerich
Mercury should be easy to spot thanks to its location along the horizon, size, and brightness.
Flickr/Jeff Bryant
If you can find Mercury in this picture, you shouldn't have any problem finding it in the early morning hours!
While you should be able to see Mercury from almost anywhere in Colorado, the best place may just be at one of our dark sky parks.
Flickr/Aster Cowart

Do you have a favorite event, attraction, or restaurant that you would like to see featured here on Only in Colorado? Nominate it here! For even more stellar locations for viewing Mercury, check out This Remote Little Westcliffe In Colorado Is One Of The Darkest Places In The Nation.

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