PHOTOS: Rare transit of Mercury awes astronomers around the globe

By Brian Lada, Meteorologist

May 10,2016; 10:26PM,EDT

 

 

A rare astronomical event took place on Monday as Mercury passed directly between the Earth and the sun.
This event, called a transit, was visible around much of the globe as the solar system's smallest planet appeared to slowly glide across the surface of the sun.
However, Mercury is too small and too far away from Earth for people to be able to see its transit without the help of binoculars or telescopes, as well as the right protective equipment.
Additionally, clouds blocked the view of the astronomical event for many.
The transit of Mercury is a rare event that happens roughly 13 times every 100 years.
Due to the way in which Mercury and the Earth orbit the sun, these transits occur either in May or November with the most recent occurring on Nov. 8,2006.
Those who missed Monday's transit will not have to wait too long for the next one with Mercury passing between the Earth and sun again on Nov. 11,2019. However, after that astronomers will have to wait until 2032.
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Transits of Venus also occur periodically but are much rarer than the transit of Mercury. These only occur every 105 to 121 years with the next one not happening until 2117.
Unlike Mercury transits, Venus transits are visible without the use of binoculars or telescopes, but the proper protection is needed to prevent optic damage from the sun.
The silhouette of Mercury shortly after the transit began. (Photo/NASA/SDO)
Indians school children line up to look through a telescope the rare transit of Mercury across the sun in Lucknow, India , Monday, May 9,2016. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)
The Mercury transit as seen from Everett, Massachusetts. (Photo/AccuAstronomy Fan John Gravell)
The Mercury transit as seen from Ocean, New Jersey. (Photo/AccuAstronomy Fan Steve Scanlon)
The Mercury transit as seen from Boyertown, Pennsylvania. (Photo/AccuAstronomy Fan David Fisherowski)

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