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Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of Mississippi

Events

Event Information:

  • Mon
    09
    May
    2016

    Transit of Mercury

    Sunrise - 2 PMKennon Observatory

    The planet Mercury will pass in front of the Sun, which is called a transit. This will start before Sunrise at 6:12 AM and end at 1:42 PM (CDT). It will be most visible about 10 AM. However, since this requires looking directly at the sun appropriate filters or a projection system must be used.

    The physics and astronomy department is hosting an open house at the Kennon observatory next Monday (May 9th) to observe the transit of Mercury occurring that morning. The public is invited to see this relatively rare event through filtered solar telescopes, as it is dangerous to look directly at the sun.

    The open house will will begin at 9 AM and end around noon unless inclement weather makes it impossible to watch the event. Come with your family and friends to watch the Sun and the passage of Mercury across the face of the Sun.