On Monday, the transit of Mercury on the background of the solar disk – Onet.pl

 
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  On Monday, the transit of Mercury on the background of the solar disk
 
 
 

Many extrasolar planets are discovered using the so-called. Methods transits. The planet passes in front of its star, somewhat weakening its luster. Such a distant planet, astronomers can not see directly, but watching periodic weakening of the light from the star as the planet passes through the line of sight between the star and us (make transit).

the next Monday will be a chance to see the transit of the planet occurring much closer, because in our solar system. Against the background of the solar disk will enter Mercury’s orbit which runs closer to the Sun than the Earth’s orbit. Transits in the Solar System can be observed carefully, you will see it the same planet as it moves against the background of the solar disk.

Transit of Mercury will begin on May 9 pm. 13.12 Polish time. Then the planet comes into contact with the edge of the solar disk, and after a few minutes already in full will be on the background of the solar disk. Maximum transit will be in the chair. 16.56, and Mercury will leave the solar disc at. 20.41. Same tip of transit can not be seen from the area of ​​Polish, because the sun has time to become a little earlier.

To watch transit of Mercury on the background of the solar disc, but not enough to the naked eye, because the planet is too small. What is needed is optical equipment equipped with a suitable filter with Mylar foil or glass. An alternative method of observation is a projection image of the Sun on the screen, although it may not be very beneficial to our optical equipment (because temperatures can damage plastic components). With the method of projection must be constantly supervised telescope, because inexperienced people may try to look directly into the eyepiece.

Astronomers warn that in no case do not look directly at the sun through binoculars or a telescope, which are not equipped with special filters – may cause serious damage or even blindness.

What if we do not have suitably equipped telescope or if the weather is not? In many places Polish Planetariums, observatories and astronomical local clubs will organize demonstrations for volunteers and the Internet live broadcasts. A list of such centers can be found at:

Perhaps some remember the Venus transits of 2004 and 2012 or transit of Mercury in 2003. If anyone has seen them, you should take the opportunity next Monday, because on Polish territory next transit of Mercury will be visible only in 2032 years, and the transit of Venus will be able to admire only future generations.

(RC)