Mercury's December morning show: How to catch it

Technology Dec 04, 2025

Mercury is putting on its best morning display for the Northern Hemisphere from December 1-25, rising about 90 minutes before sunrise and glowing low in the east-southeast.
It's brightest around December 7, when it reaches peak distance from the sun and is located about 30° southeast of Spica.
The planet will stay visible until just before Christmas, slowly fading into the brighter dawn.

Tips for spotting Mercury

For a good view, find a spot with a clear eastern horizon and look 40-80 minutes before sunrise.
Mercury gets even brighter by December 9—easy to see with your eyes, but a telescope can reveal its crescent shape.
Between December 11-17, look for Mercury near the star Graffias in Scorpius; a crescent Moon joins in from December 15-17 for an extra treat.