JOIN the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa Durban branch at a viewing of the rare Mercury Transit on Monday, 11 November from 1.30pm to 6pm at St Henry’s Marist College on the Berea. This is the first time since 2016, that Mercury will transit the Sun.
Mercury – the innermost planet of our solar system – will pass directly in front of the sun and be visible through telescopes with solar filter as a small black dot crossing the sun’s face. The transit or passage of a planet across the face of the Sun is a relatively rare occurrence to view.
Planets transit the sun regularly, but the orbits of the planets are slightly tilted, relative to each other, so things line up just right only occasionally.
ASSA’s viewing afternoon will take place at the Pavilion room at St. Henry’s Marist College. The balcony faces West, so, weather permitting, people should enjoy a good view of the event.
What's up in the night sky this month? ⭐ Luckily for skywatchers, there's a lot to see, including a transit of Mercury and a chance to observe the regular dimming and brightening of the "Demon star," Algol. Find out when and where to look up: https://t.co/PJ5hMhsahR pic.twitter.com/LSLTtYGvCz
— NASA (@NASA) November 2, 2019
If you have a solar scope or filter, take it along. The next transit of Mercury is in 2032. All welcome. Contact Astronomydurban@gmail.com or 0833955160.
*Never look at the sun directly or through a telescope without the correct filters or a solar scope.
(Info: earthsky.org, ASSA DBN, @nasasolarsystem )
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