seeing mercury in daytime, can it be done

[oldpink]

I'm currently looking at Jupiter and the moon at 5:45pm and its relatively clear
I tried slewing over to Mercury but can't see anything, is it just too small to see in full daylight

or will I have to wait till the sun goes down a bit

[ronin]

I would suspect the sun is too bright and Mercury is too close.

Generally people try to catch Mercury either as the sun goes down and Mercury is following it or in the morning when/if Mercury rises just before the sun.

The other time, during daylight, is when it transits the sun, just get a solar filter first.

Next Mercury transit, apparently is in 2016 May 9 at 11:12 UT and 18:42 UT, seems we will be able to see all of it.

[oldpink]

yeah I though it may be just too bright
but as I have clear skies I'll follow its position around sundown

[Davey-T]

Couple of Mercury, one at dawn one at dusk.

Dave

 

[oldpink]

nice pictures
I may get a chance just as the sun sets but will need to be quick as it will be at 12 deg and going out of my viewing position