star gazing

Mercury is at greatest elongation tonight. In simple terms that means it is the furthest apparent distance from the sun as seen from the earth, so if you want to try seeing Mercury try looking in the western sky shortly after sunset. It will be at its most visible for a few days, and then it will basically dive into the horizon to follow the sun. Sunset in DC is at about 5:54 pm, and I would think you'd be able to see Mercury between about 6:15 and 6:30.

Mercury update

Here in Flagstaff it took about 45 minutes after official sunset before I could see Mercury, which is longer than I had estimated. It is only at max about 20 degrees of the horizon, so be sure you have a clear view to the west if you want to try for it.

Sunset at an observatory is so pretty.