Two planets, Saturn and Mercury, hover close to the western horizon after sunset this week. On three evenings, from Sunday to Tuesday night, a thin crescent moon also appears. Take a look in the evenings ahead.

The moon will be easiest to see on Monday night when it is higher in the west, and just above the two planets. Mercury is brighter than Saturn but it is much closer to the horizon. Saturn appears right underneath the moon and is easy to pick out. Mercury is under Saturn and bright.

By Tuesday night, the moon has moved higher, farther away from the planets. But keep watching the two planets in the nights ahead. On Thanksgiving night, Mercury and Saturn appear a good deal closer together but only a short time before setting into the west.

You’ll need an excellent view of the western sky, like at Menemsha beach, Gay Head Cliffs and or the West Chop overlook. You’ll definitely need an unencumbered view, without trees or other obstacles in the way. It only takes one little cloud to ruin the view.

Mercury and Saturn are closest next weekend and the following week. They’ll be within a few degrees of each other but together, even closer to the western horizon.