2026年第一次水星大距将于2月20日（正月初四）上演，给大家来拜年。天文科普专家表示，这是一次水星东大距，届时只要天气晴好，在20 日前后几天，感兴趣的公众用裸眼或借助小型天文望远镜就可以观测到这颗平日里难得一见的行星。 作为距离太阳最近的行星，从地球上看，水星总是出现在太阳附近，一年当中，大部分时间都隐匿在太阳的光芒中。只有当水星和太阳之间角 度最大，也就是大距时，人们才有机会一睹水星"芳容"。 大距有东大距和西大距之分。东大距时，水星在黄昏时的西方低空出现；西大距时，水星在黎明时的东方低空现身。 本月这次水星东大距观测条件不错，日落时水星的地平高度可达16度，亮度约-0.5等，便于观测。宋媛媛提醒说，日落后一个小时左右，水星 就会落下去，因此找水星的时机就在这段时间内，"需要注意的是，由于水星距离太阳很近，一定要等到日落后再使用小型望远镜观测，否则 望远镜不小心指到太阳后，会对眼睛造成不可逆的伤害"。 2022年1月7日水星东大距。这是在东大距前夕的1月4日于天津拍摄的水星与蛾眉月。（杨婧 摄） 感兴趣的公众如果选择在20日观测水星，还可以顺便观测一下土星伴月。这天日落后，明亮的土星将会与一弯蛾眉月相伴 ...

Core Viewpoint - The first Mercury eastern elongation of 2026 will occur on February 20, providing a rare opportunity for the public to observe the planet with the naked eye or small telescopes, given favorable weather conditions [1][3]. Group 1: Mercury's Characteristics - Mercury is the fastest planet in the solar system, completing its orbit around the Sun in just 88 days, making it the planet with the shortest orbital period among the eight planets [3]. - The phenomenon of eastern and western elongations occurs 3 to 4 times a year due to Mercury's rapid orbit, with 2026 featuring three eastern elongations (February 20, June 16, and October 12) and three western elongations (April 4, August 2, and November 21) [3]. Group 2: Observational Conditions - The upcoming eastern elongation on February 20 will have favorable observational conditions, with Mercury reaching a horizon height of 16 degrees and a brightness of approximately -0.5 magnitude, making it easier to spot [3]. - Observers are advised to wait until after sunset to view Mercury, as it will set about an hour after sunset, and caution is advised to avoid looking at the Sun through telescopes to prevent eye damage [3]. Group 3: Additional Observational Opportunities - On the same day as the Mercury eastern elongation, observers can also witness a conjunction of Saturn and a crescent moon, creating a visually appealing "star and moon fairy tale" in the western sky after sunset [5].

2026年第一次水星大距将于2月20日（正月初四）上演，给大家来拜年。天文科普专家表示，这是一次 水星东大距，届时只要天气晴好，在20日前后几天，感兴趣的公众用裸眼或借助小型天文望远镜就可以 观测到这颗平日里难得一见的行星。 作为距离太阳最近的行星，从地球上看，水星总是出现在太阳附近，一年当中，大部分时间都隐匿在太 阳的光芒中。只有当水星和太阳之间角度最大，也就是大距时，人们才有机会一睹水星"芳容"。 大距有东大距和西大距之分。东大距时，水星在黄昏时的西方低空出现；西大距时，水星在黎明时的东 方低空现身。 2022年4月 29日水星东大距。这是在东大距之后的5月1日于天津拍摄的水星。（杨婧 摄） 中国天文学会会员、天津科学技术馆天文科普专家宋媛媛介绍，水星是太阳系中公转速度最快的行星， 只需要88天就可以围绕太阳公转一周。这一"成绩"也让水星成为太阳系八大行星中公转周期最短的行 星，是名副其实的"飞毛腿"。 受水星公转速度影响，一年中东大距和西大距会各出现3至4次。2026年水星将迎来3次东大距（2月20 日、6月16日和10月12日）和3次西大距（4月4日、8月2日和11月21日）。各次大距时水星的地平高度 ...

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 Ursids meteor shower will reach its peak on December 22, with favorable observation conditions for enthusiasts [1][3]. Group 1: Meteor Shower Characteristics - The Ursids meteor shower has a low activity rate, with a Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR) of around 10, and its active period is from December 17 to 26 [3][6]. - The radiant point of the Ursids is near Beta Ursae Minor, making it visible throughout the night for most regions in China [3][4]. - Unlike the more famous Geminids meteor shower, the Ursids offers a longer observation window due to its peak occurring around the winter solstice when nights are longer [3][4]. Group 2: Observation Tips - Enthusiasts are advised to find a location with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the sky, using the North Star to locate Ursa Minor [4]. - Observers should not focus solely on the radiant point, as meteors can appear in any part of the sky [4]. - The absence of moonlight during the peak of the Ursids this year enhances the observation experience [3][6].

Core Points - The Leimon Comet, discovered in January this year, is a long-period comet with an orbital period of approximately 1150 to 1350 years, making it a rare astronomical event [3] - The comet is expected to reach its closest point to the Sun on November 8, marking its most active phase during this solar system journey [1][4] - The comet's survival through this close encounter with the Sun is uncertain, as it may either disintegrate or create a bright display of gas and dust if it withstands the solar radiation [3][4] Summary by Sections - **Comet Characteristics** - Leimon Comet is classified as a long-period comet with an orbital cycle exceeding 200 years [3] - It is composed of ice, dust, and other compounds, which can either lead to its disintegration or a spectacular display as it approaches the Sun [3] - **Current Observations** - The comet has been performing steadily since passing its closest approach point on October 21, and it is currently moving towards the Sun [3] - Observers in the Northern Hemisphere have enjoyed its presence, capturing beautiful moments alongside natural landscapes [4] - **Viewing Opportunities** - The predicted brightness of the Leimon Comet is around magnitude 4-5, making it visible in the western sky after sunset [7] - Enthusiasts are encouraged to find dark locations away from city lights for optimal viewing, using small telescopes or binoculars [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the upcoming celestial event of Jupiter and the Moon appearing close together in the sky, referred to as the "star-moon fairy tale," which is expected to be a visually appealing experience for the public on October 14 [2][4]. Summary by Sections - **Celestial Event Description** - The event will occur in the early morning of October 14, where Jupiter and the Moon will be visible in close proximity in the eastern sky, provided the weather is clear [2]. - Jupiter is noted as the largest planet in the solar system and appears very bright from Earth due to its size, despite being far away [4]. - **Observational Conditions** - The Moon will be in its waning phase, appearing as a "D" shape, and will rise from the northeast before coming close to Jupiter, creating a "three-star accompaniment" with two bright stars in the Gemini constellation [6]. - The average distance of Jupiter from Earth is approximately 780 million kilometers, while the Moon is about 384,000 kilometers away, making their apparent closeness a visual coincidence [6]. - **Viewing Recommendations** - To best observe this event, individuals should find an open area facing east and slightly tilt their heads upward. For enhanced viewing, binoculars or small telescopes can be used to see details of Jupiter, such as its cloud bands [8].

Core Viewpoint - Ceres, the smallest dwarf planet in the solar system, will reach opposition on October 8, providing an excellent opportunity for observation [1][3] Group 1: Ceres Characteristics - Ceres is classified as a dwarf planet and is the only one located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter [1] - It was the first asteroid discovered by humans and has a diameter of approximately 940 kilometers [1] - Ceres has an orbital period of 4.6 years and an opposition cycle of about 467 days [3] Group 2: Observation Details - During opposition, Ceres will be fully illuminated by the Sun, making it appear at its brightest, with a magnitude of 7.6 [3] - The best time for observation is shortly after sunset, as Ceres will rise in the eastern horizon and remain visible throughout the night until sunrise [3] - Observers are advised to choose locations with minimal light pollution, such as rural or suburban areas, and to use binoculars or small telescopes for better visibility [5]

Group 1 - The October "Starry Sky Theater" viewing guide highlights significant astronomical events, including the Mid-Autumn Festival full moon, which is the third largest full moon of the year, occurring on October 7 at 11:48 AM [1][2] - The full moon viewing is emphasized as a key tradition during the Mid-Autumn Festival, with the best viewing times suggested for the evenings of October 6 and 7 [1][2] - Notable celestial events include the opposition of Ceres on October 8, where the public can potentially observe it with small telescopes if weather permits [2] Group 2 - On October 14, Jupiter will be closely accompanied by a waning crescent moon, providing an excellent viewing opportunity before sunrise [4] - Venus will appear as the "Morning Star" on October 20, meeting a crescent moon, which can be easily observed from open areas [6] - The Orionid meteor shower will peak on October 21, with optimal viewing conditions due to the absence of moonlight, making it a prime opportunity for meteor enthusiasts [6][8] Group 3 - The C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) comet will pass its perihelion on October 21, becoming visible in the evening sky in the constellation Ursa Major by mid-October [8] - Mercury will reach its eastern elongation on October 30, marking the last opportunity for observation this year, although conditions will be less favorable due to its low position on the horizon [8]

Group 1 - The article discusses the upcoming conjunction of Saturn and Neptune on August 6, where the two planets will appear very close in the southeastern sky for public observation if the weather permits [1] - Saturn is noted for its beautiful and prominent rings, while Neptune is recognized as the farthest known planet from the Sun in the solar system and appears to be the darkest [1] - The phenomenon of "conjunction" refers to the alignment of two celestial bodies in the same celestial longitude as viewed from Earth, which is occurring again shortly after a previous conjunction on June 29 due to their synchronized movement in Pisces [1]

Core Points - Mercury will have its eastern elongation on July 4, 2023, providing good observation conditions for the public if the weather is clear [1][2] - Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and is difficult to observe due to its proximity to the Sun's glare [1] - The best time to observe Mercury is during its eastern elongation when it appears in the western sky after sunset [1] Observation Conditions - This year, Mercury will have three eastern elongations, occurring on March 8, July 4, and October 30, with the first two having favorable observation conditions [2] - On July 4, Mercury's altitude will be approximately 18 degrees at sunset, with a brightness of about 0.4 magnitude [2] - Observers are encouraged to look for Mercury a few days before and after July 4, as the altitude will be higher in the days leading up to the event [2]