Compilation of mosaic containing pictures taken in early and late volcanic sunset. In the first two Mercury had to be enhanced in brightness to make its position clearly visible.

Mercury Setting in Volcanic Sunset.
On Sunday 24th March, Mercury had reached maximum elongation from the Sun. https://earthsky.org/tonight/mercury-after-sunset-greatest-elongation-east/ At 6.17 pm the planet first became visible through volcanic sunset twilight glare behind Christmas Pass. In the first two pictures taken between 6.17 and 6.23 pm it appeared as a tiny barely visible speck which had to be to be contrast enhanced to make its position clear. Even in the later captures taken in fading volcanic sunset glow between 6.27 and 6.32 pm it is small and dim. In reality it remained almost invisible to the naked eye.