Observers catch rare glimpse of Mercury passing the Sun

Astronomers and space enthusiasts have watched as Mercury made a rare transit of the Sun.

Observers catch rare glimpse of Mercury passing the Sun

Astronomers and space enthusiasts have watched as Mercury made a rare transit of the Sun.

The smallest planet in the solar system could be seen as a tiny black disc moving across the glowing orb, starting at just after 12.35pm today.

Members of the public were urged to join Astronomy Ireland at its headquarters in Blanchardstown, Dublin, to witness the occasion safely.

They had set up special telescopes and streamed the transit from observatories around the world.

The last time Mercury passed the Sun this way was in 2016, but the next is not due until 2032.

Nasa revealed some of the first images of the transit, taken from its satellite monitoring the sun.

The entire event was visible from the eastern United States and Canada, the south-western tip of Greenland, most of the Caribbean, Central America, the whole of South America and some of west Africa.

In Europe, the Middle East and most of Africa, the Sun set before the transit ended, so the latter part of the event was not visible.

Every 88 years Mercury completes each orbit around the Sun, and it passes between the Earth and sun every 116 days.

Because the planet’s orbit around the Sun is tilted, it normally appears to pass above or below our nearest star.

A transit can only take place when the Earth, Mercury and the Sun are exactly in line in three dimensions.

Looking at the Sun without appropriate protection, either during the transit or at any other time, can cause serious and permanent damage to the eyes.

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Smartwatch with health app. Glowing neon icon on brick wall background Health watch: How much health data is healthy? 
Cork's wild salmon warrior Sally Ferns Barnes looks to the future Cork's wild salmon warrior Sally Ferns Barnes looks to the future
(C)2024 Disney. Disneyland Paris – Disneyland Hotel Re-Opening Watch: Iconic Disneyland Paris hotel re-opens after two year renovation
ieParenting Logo
Writers ieParenting

Our team of experts are on hand to offer advice and answer your questions here

Your digital cookbook

ieStyle Live 2021 Logo
ieStyle Live 2021 Logo

IE Logo
Outdoor Trails

Discover the great outdoors on Ireland's best walking trails

IE Logo
Outdoor Trails

Lifestyle
Newsletter

The best food, health, entertainment and lifestyle content from the Irish Examiner, direct to your inbox.

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited