Islamabad, September 2024

Pakistan’s astronomical community is buzzing with excitement as the Centre for Excellence in Technology Quantum and AI Pakistan (CETQAP) prepares to observe Mercury’s greatest eastern elongation. The event, set to occur this evening, will offer a rare and stunning view of the innermost planet at its farthest point from the Sun, visible shortly after sunset.

Mercury’s greatest elongation is a celestial event where the planet reaches its maximum angular distance from the Sun as seen from Earth. During this time, Mercury is easier to spot, appearing as a bright dot in the twilight sky, and morning’s event will be one of the most significant astronomical observations in Pakistan this year.

CETQAP, a leading organization dedicated to the Centre for Excellence in Technology Quantum and AI Pakistan, has organized multiple observation points across the country. Key locations include Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, where telescopes and expert guidance will be available to help witness this event.

The observation will start just after sunrise, around 6:45 AM Pakistan Standard Time, when Mercury will appear low on the western horizon. As the sky darkens, the planet will become more visible, offering a spectacular view to those with a clear line of sight and minimal light pollution.

Dr. Zuhair Ahmed, the head of CETQAP emphasized the importance of this event: “Mercury’s greatest eastern elongation is a perfect opportunity for both amateur and seasoned astronomers to observe a planet that is often overshadowed by its more prominent counterparts. We’re excited to engage in this celestial event and hope it inspires a deeper interest in the sciences.”

In addition to the observation events, CETQAP has also organized a series of educational activities, including workshops and lectures on planetary motion and the significance of such elongations in astronomy. These activities aim to enhance public understanding of the cosmos and encourage more young people to take an interest in space sciences.

As Mercury reaches its greatest eastern elongation, Pakistanis are invited to look up and marvel at the wonders of our solar system, with CETQAP leading the charge in bringing the universe a little closer to home.