[Expired] Transit of Mercury 9th May 2016

On Monday, May 9th, Mercury will transit the Sun. 

There are only around thirteen transits of Mercury each century so do observe it if you can. 

Here in the UK the transit will begin at 12.12 BST and end at 19.42 BST but local timings will differ slightly depending on your location. This website will provide additional information http://eclipsewise.com/oh/tm2016.html

Mercury is relatively small so you won’t be able to observe the transit using solar eclipse glasses, it will require a telescope fitted with a solar filter and a magnification around 50x. 

IMPORTANT: Never view the Sun without a suitable purpose-made Solar Filter! Solar observing is dangerous and can be hazardous to eyesight. Safety is everyone’s responsibility - please read the safety notes supplied with the product carefully. Do not use eyepiece mounted filters (usually sold at online auction sites!), they are prone to crack in the heat which can result in permanent injury and even blindness! 

Baader AstroSolar Safety Film ND 5.0 is the most popular solar filter material and is 100% safe. It is available in A4 (20x29.5 cm) sheets that can be used to make your own solar filter. Instructions are included and this BBC video shows the making in more detail http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p014hpkh

For those who prefer a ready-made solution Astrozap offer a range of solar filters that use Baader Astrosolar film fitted into an aluminium cell that slips conveniently over the front of the telescope where it is held in place with nylon screws. The telescope’s finderscope must be also be filtered, securely capped or removed. 

If you are observing the event with others please ensure everyone is aware of the precautions that must be taken with solar viewing. 

We hope our safety advice hasn’t put you off witnessing this remarkable event. It really is something special :-)

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