Where, when and how to see Mercury Transit in India on May 9

Mercury, the smallest planet in our solar system, will pass directly in front of the Sun and a Rare Mercury Transit will take place on May 9, 2016, Sunday. This event has not occurred since 2006 and you will not get to see it again until 2019. Notably, the next event that will take place in November 2019, will not be visible from India. In India, it will next be visible in 2032 after this year. When one astronomical body moves across the face of another a transit occurs and is seen from the Earth or from a spacecraft.

Where will the Mercury transit be seen?

The rare Mercury transit will be visible in kost parts of the world including Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic, Antarctica. It will be seen either partially or in full. However, in Japan and other parts of eastern Asia, it will not be visible.

When will the rare Mercury transit be visible?

As per the Astronomical Society of India (ASI), the rare Mercury transit will begin at around 4:30 PM and will be seen all over India. The first contact will take place at 16:32 IST.

Mercury appears moves roughly from East to West on the solar disc. Indian observers say Mercury will move from the ‘top’ towards the ‘bottom’ of the Sun while moving towards the western horizon.

Mercury will be at a quarter of its path in front of the Sun at around 18:30 IST. The central point will take place at 20:27 IST, ASI explains in its official website, adding, the best time to witness the rare transit is after an hour into the event.

How to watch the rare Mercury Transit?

A magnification tool - binocular or telescope will be required to watch the Mercury transit because it is so tiny that it will not be recognized easily. But, it is quite dangerous to see the Sun through lenses, binoculars, telescopes and bare eyes. This may even cause blindness or serious eye damage. Good quality eclipse goggles and pinhole camera can also be used to watch the Sun and Mercury.