Eclipses are not exactly uncommon, since the moon appears to pass the sun frequently. However, a rare event is about to take place on Monday as the planet Mercury is set to pass the sun in a transit that only occurs 13 times in a century!
What Is A Transit?
A transit happens when a planet passes in between the Sun and another planet. Although it is similar to a lunar or solar eclipse, the planet's transit does not block out the light and will only appear as a small dot visible against the Sun. Most transits have actually been so unnoticeable for people that they can go about their day without seeing that a planet is visible in broad daylight.
Earth Gets A Glimpse Of Mercury
Mercury is one of only two planets that are in the right position to transit the sun from the Earth's perspective. The other planet is Venus, which has rarer transits than Mercury. The two planets' transits are visible since they are the only planets that orbit the Sun closer than Earth.
According to The News Eagle, Mercury transits the Sun only 13 times in one century. The last recorded Mercury transit happened in 2006.
The NASA Twitter account reported that the planet is expected to once again become visible against the Sun on Monday, May 9 at around 7:12 a.m. EDT. Mercury will pass the Sun at around 2:42 p.m. EDT.
On Mon. 5/9 Mercury will transit the sun from 7:12 am to 2:42 pm ET! Find out more & watch: https://t.co/F2DCjnjUN5! pic.twitter.com/HVruEdvXR6
— NASASunEarth (@NASASunEarth) May 5, 2016
How Can You Watch Mercury Passing The Sun?
The transit would be an excellent way to show children about the wonders to space and how close the other planets are to Earth. However, viewers are advised not to look directly at the Sun in search of Mercury without protection.
If you have a telescope, it would be best to make sure to use a solar filter to avoid damage to your eyes. It is also advisable to tell children to avoid looking at the Sun directly without any form of protection for their eyes.
