This is a review question for school. I would appreciate the help.
2007-03-28 17:29:49 · 8 answers · asked by bookworm87 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
In the sky the angle between eastern horizon to western horizon is 180 degrees. In the mid night the Sun would be exactly below us. To see Mercury overhead at mid night it has to follow behind Sun at an angular distance of 180 degrees. Our Sun having a diameter of 1.4 million KM occupies half a degree in the sky. Planet Mercury is the inner most with a maximum orbital radius us of 58 million KM. This means the maximum distance of Mercury either in front of Sun or behind Sun can be around twenty degrees. This is the reason why you can not see Mercury overhead.
2007-03-28 18:56:51 · answer #1 · answered by Wiser 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mercury is closer to the Sun than we are, so it's distance from the Sun as viewed from Earth (known as it's elongation) is dependant upon the size of its orbit.
Mercury is close to the Sun (much closer than Venus), so it has a small maximum elongation and so never appears more than about 30 degrees from the Sun.
To be overhead at midnight, it would need to be 180 degrees away from the Sun.
2007-03-29 04:51:17 · answer #2 · answered by Senji 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Mercury's orbit is closer to the sun than is Earth's.
2. Mercury itself is very close to the Sun.
Therefore Mercury, when it is visible, will always be near the Sun. Daylight is too bright to see the relatively dim planet. However, at certain times, Mercury will be visible near the horizon and near the spot on the horizon where the Sun rises or sets, shortly after sunset or shortly before sunrise.
2007-03-29 01:10:57 · answer #3 · answered by Jerry P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it is so close to the sun. You don't see the sun overhead at midnight ever, so you won't see Mercury either.
2007-03-29 01:23:45 · answer #4 · answered by star2_watch 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At midnight, the sun is on the exact opposite side of the earth from where you are.
Mercury is closer to the sun than the Earth is. Therefore, no matter where it is in its orbit around the sun, it'll be below the horizon at midnight.
2007-03-29 00:34:54 · answer #5 · answered by Bramblyspam 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because Mecury is close to the sun. At midnight the sun directly below your feet and so is Mercury.
2007-03-29 00:36:35 · answer #6 · answered by misoma5 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is so close to the sun, it is nearly impossible to be seen with a telescope, much less the naked eye, which also means its orbit would not permit viewing or any kind at night
2007-03-29 01:42:29 · answer #7 · answered by Experto Credo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
honey its like those cowboys above have stated,... But I have to add that the only mercury that you can see at midnight is the mercury in an old fashioned thermometer hanging above your head.
cheers babe!!
2007-03-29 05:05:08 · answer #8 · answered by somber_pieces 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋