The ONU Astronomy Club welcomes Ada and the surrounding communities to the ONU Observatory on Friday, March 1, for a "Greatest Elongation of Mercury" event.

The word "Elongation" refers to the angular separation between Mercury and the Sun. Since Mercury's orbit remains closer to the Sun than the Earth, it can never be farther than about 28 degrees from the Sun.

This week, Mercury will be at its maximum elongation on the east side of the Sun.

It's elongation will actually be about 18.1 degrees since it will be near the perihelion (nearest point to the Sun) of its orbit.

"We will open the observatory relatively early at 7 p.m. in order to catch Mercury before it sets in the West.," said Dr. Jason Pinkney, Observator director. "After setting, there will still be other wondrous sites to see such as Mars and the stars of the winter Milky Way."

Additional events this spring include:
Friday, March 22, 9-11 pm. –  "Vernal Equinox" 
Friday, March 29, 9-11 pm. –  "Supernovae and their remnants" 
Friday, April 5, 9-11 pm. –  "Galaxies of Spring" 
Friday, May 3, 9-11 pm. – "Eta Aquarid Meteors"