Starwatch: Mercury and Venus return for a twilight show

The planets will potentially be visible this week after sunset, but it will require a clear horizon and keeping a sharp eye open

There's a challenging but beautiful sight awaiting keen-eyed stargazers this week. Mercury and Venus have returned to the evening sky and are nestled together in the sunset twilight.

The chart shows the view looking south-west from London at 16.30 GMT on 24 December. The planets are visible for about three-quarters of an hour after sunset, but a clear horizon is needed to see them.