Mercury meek in the evening, Comet Leonard approaches the sun, and Star of Bethlehem

Published: Dec. 19, 2021, 6 a.m.

Mercury is an evening object, but you'll have trouble finding it.

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Comet Leonard enters Microscopium as its orbital position takes it closer to the sun.

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A popular question this time of year is what was the Star of Bethlehem. Most of the possible answers don't actually involve stars. When they do, they involve planets too.