Spotting Mercury is difficult. It is one of the most challenging visible planets to see, always close to the sun, always close to the horizon. Mercury in Greek mythology portrays a fast runner. There is no way to keep up with this planet. It takes Mercury 88 days to make its orbit around the sun, which translates to little more than two months in Earth days.

In one month, Mercury is in our morning sky, and the next month in our evening sky. It is hard keeping track where this planet appears, but next week we get some help finding this fast moving fella.

The early evening crescent moon will appear right next to Mercury next Friday night, April 8. The moon will appear just to the south of the planet. Don’t wait until next Friday to see it. Take a look any night ahead. The time to look is about an hour after sunset. Every night ahead, Mercury appears progressively higher until midmonth.

Mercury will be highest in the western sky on the evening of April 18. Astronomers report this is the best elongation for the planet this year. So if you’ve ever thought of trying to see this marathon runner, the next two weeks are ideal.