Mercury to Make Rare Pass Across the Sun Today: Here’s How to Watch
Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, will pass between Earth and the star on November 11. The star show only happens about 13 times in a century and will happen next time in 2032. It is a rare transit when the planet is visible while moving against the surface of the Sun, and should not be lost at all costs. This time, people in South America, North America, Europe and Africa will be able to witness the action.
Mercury and Venus are the only two planets we can see crossing the Sun from Earth. Venus transits are even rarer and will not happen until 2117. As Mercury moves through the Sun, it causes a slight fall in the Sun’s brightness, allowing scientists to search for more planets that orbit distant stars.
Mercury passing the time of the Sun
However, if you are in India, you will be slightly disappointed. Mercury transit will not be visible from Australia and most of Asia and Alaska. However, you can still watch a live broadcast of the show. The Mercury transit will last about five and a half hours, starting at 4:35 a.m.PST (6:05 p.m. IST on Monday). The last time this cosmic event occurred was in 2016.
Mercury transit Sun live broadcast
Mercury will appear as an extremely small dark spot, moving across the Sun’s desk. NASA recommends using “adequate safety equipment” to enjoy the view. Since Mercury is small, people will need binoculars or a telescope equipped with a sunscreen. NASA warns that looking at the Sun directly or without adequate protection can cause serious eye damage.
In case you don’t have the right equipment, NASA will transmit ‘almost real-time’ images of the Sun from its Dynamic Solar Observatory throughout the transit. But if it is in the USA. UU., It should not be missed, since this is the last time Mercury transit will be visible from the USA. UU. Until 2049
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