Volume 17 -- Issue 9 Planet Watch -- September 2011 Mercury is visible above the eastern horizon at sunrise for the first few days of the month and then moves to the opposite side of the Sun from us and superior conjunction on the 28th. Venus is not easily seen, if at all, this month as it is still relatively close to the Sun. It will gradually become more visible over the western horizon at sunset in the coming months. Mars is visible high over the southeastern horizon at sunrise. Starting on the 30th watch Mars approach and pass across some of the stars of the open star cluster M-44, the Beehive Cluster. This animation shows Mars over a 4-day period starting with the 30th and ending on October 3rd. Jupiter rises a couple of hours after sunset and will be visible all night setting after sunrise. Saturn is too close to the Sun to be visible this month.