| Venus has begun to move noticeably away from α Cancri, so now we know its prograde movement has begun in earnest, although it is still moving more slowly than the Sun along the ecliptic. For this reason, she continues to gain altitude each morning. Mercury, here at magnitude +0.20 and 7.81" in diameter, joins Venus for a short time this month. Venus is still brightening slightly, now at magnitude -4.54 and 37.79" in diameter. They are 23°08'54" apart this morning. Mercury has just crossed northward over the ecliptic and in coming days will increase its ecliptic latitude. |