| Mercury is beginning to slow down towards the point at which it begins retrograde motion, and likewise is curling up toward the ecliptic. Here we see it still south of the ecliptic past the top of the lid of the teapot; it is magnitude +0.16 and 8.01" in diameter. Compare its position to December 6; also, click on the thumbnail at upper right to see a chart of Mercury's motion against the stars from December 3 to December 16. |
