Catch Mercury at its peak in the morning sky this weekend

On September 23, the planet Mercury will reach its highest point in the morning sky. As the closest planet to the sun and the smallest in the solar system, Mercury will be a challenge to spot for amateur astronomers due to its low position on the horizon. To see it, look to the east an hour before sunrise and locate a yellowish Mercury between the back legs of Leo, the lion. Take precautions to never point any optics in the direction of the rising sun.