QCH: Mercury Saturn Conjunction to Occur in Qatar's Skies Thursday

The smallest planet in the solar system, Mercury, is set to align with the splendidly ringed planet Saturn in the State of Qatar's skies and nations of the Arab region on April 10, during which Mercury will appear at an angular separation of 2.1 degrees north of Saturn, Qatar Calendar House (QCH) has reported.

QCH's astronomical expert, Dr. Bashir Marzouq, highlighted that the population of the Arab region, including the State of Qatar, will be able to observe Mercury with the naked eye at the closest point during this time, as the conjunction will be visible by gazing at the eastern horizon from the time of their rise until just before sunrise over Qatar.

Dr. Marzouq added that Mercury and Saturn are expected to rise at 4:13 a.m., while sunrise will occur at 5:17 a.m. local Doha time, pointing out that beholding such kinds of celestial phenomena is preferred from areas devoid of light and environmental pollution, as Mercury is difficult to monitor on most days due to its proximity to the Sun, where it remains within the solar glare.

In addition, Dr. Marzouq noted that the consequentiality of this celestial phenomenon resides in its provision of an optimal observational window for the simultaneous detection, tracking, and high-resolution imaging of both Mercury and Saturn at their point of closest apparent angular proximity on the celestial sphere.

The event underscores the rigorous accuracy of orbital mechanics and ephemeris computations used in modeling the trajectories of solar system bodies, functioning as a practical observational benchmark for amateur astronomers across the State of Qatar and the broader Arab region, in addition to facilitating targeted identification and monitoring of observable celestial objects in the nocturnal sky.

(QNA)