Low in the southwestern sky tonight and for the week ahead, the planets Mercury and Venus appear close together. Every night ahead, they get closer. This is a good time to look, for late in the coming week you may miss the two as two; they are that close.

A pair of binoculars will separate them nicely as a pair at the end of next week. Look now and you get to watch the two as they get together. But it is tough finding them, as they are both so close to the southwestern horizon, after sunset.

Look a half hour after sunset. The sky will still be bright. Venus is sensational and fairly easy to spot. Mercury is fainter and only hard to see because the light of twilight is still bright. Binoculars will help you spot Mercury.

An hour or so later and the two will set.

The red planet Mars is only slightly higher in the western sky. Mars is a dull red color and distinguishes itself from the surrounding bright stars of the constellation Gemini.