Senior Correspondent
NewsBits.in
Bhopal: Monday (May 9) will bring a special celestial opportunity for the astronomy enthusiasts and inquisitive citizens.
Around two hours before sunset, the planet mercury would begin a transit around the face of the Sun, an event that occurs only about 13 times in a century. After May 9 event, the celestial event would be visible in India only in 2032.
The transit of mercury (when mercury comes between sun and earth) would appear as a small black dot passing over the sun. Watchers should take precaution to use proper solar filters and telescope for best view.
In central parts of India including Madhya Pradesh, the transit would begin at 4.42 pm and would be visible till sunset, though the actual duration of transit would be 7.30 hours.
Science communicator Sarika Gharu has said during Monday’s transit, mercury would enter sun’s face from northeastern point and move in southwest direction.
BHOPAL RESIDENTS WATCH IT AT KAMLAPATI PARK
Interested Bhopal residents can watch the transit through special solar viewers, two powerful telescopes with special solar filters and as projections through five other telescopes at Kamla Park near VIP Road. The viewing would be from 4.30pm to 7.30pm, Gharu has said.
