Mercury is always a challenge, but February 2026 gives us a good chance.
For evening appearances at this time of year, the steep angle of the ecliptic to the western horizon at sunset really works in our favour.
Because Mercury, like all the main planets, is always relatively close to the ecliptic, this steep tilt means it stays above the horizon longer after sunset, giving us extra viewing time.
Note: if you go hunting for Mercury, for safety always wait until the Sun has fully set.
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Best times to see Mercury in February
Greatest eastern elongation is when Mercury is at its farthest position from the Sun in the evening sky.
This occurs on the evening of 19 February, when Mercury sits 18.1° from the Sun.
On 1 February, Mercury shines at mag. –1.1, has an apparent diameter of 5 arcseconds and a phase of 96%.
It’s also close to mag. –3.8 Venus on this date, but both are a tough catch, setting just 38 minutes after the Sun. By mid-month, Mercury will have dimmed to –0.8, but sets 1 hour and 18 minutes after sunset.
On the evening of 18 February, a 1%-lit Moon sits between mag. –0.5 Mercury and –3.8 Venus, Mercury now setting 1 hour and 45 minutes after sunset.
The Moon flips to the east of Mercury on 19 February, and both are well placed 30 minutes after sunset.
On 28 February, Mercury will be moving back towards the Sun, while Venus appears to move away.
As a consequence, both planets meet for an ecliptic conjunction, but Mercury will have dimmed to mag. +2.0, making it much harder to spot despite still setting a decent interval of 1 hour and 20 minutes after sunset.
Mercury in February 2026 – quick guide
- Best time to see: 19 February, from 30 minutes after sunset
- Altitude: 11°
- Location: Aquarius
- Direction: West-southwest
- Features: Phase, subtle surface features through larger scopes
- Recommended equipment: 100mm or larger
If you observe or photograph Mercury this month, share your observations and images with us by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com
