Mercury Chases the Sunset . ... Credit Copyright: Doug Zubenel Explanation: This colorful view of the western sky at sunset features last Wednesday's slender crescent Moon. Of course, when the Moon is in its crescent phase it can never be far from Sun in the sky. ... On January 14th, NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft will have a good view too, as it makes its first Mercury flyby . ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...