Mercury started its journey directly across the sun on Monday evening as space enthusiasts all over the world watched carefully. The transit is less likely to be witnessed with ease in India as most of the event will take place after sundown. This phenomenon occurs only once in about ten to thirteen years. The last such event was in 2006, and the next one is scheduled for 2019, after which no such transit is expected before 2032, reported BBC.
The eclipse can be best viewed from eastern North America, South America, Western Europe and Africa, where Mercury's entire transit can be witnessed in these locations in daylight. Although the flight of the solar system's smallest planet cannot be seen even with the help of binoculars or telescopes, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration agency of the United States will live-stream images of the event along with expert commentary.
Those interested in following the celestial event can log on to NASA Television for live video and images acquired from the orbiting Solar Dynamics Observatory and other telescopes. People can also submit their queries on Twitter using #AskNASA, which will be answered by the space agency's scientists on the show.
Where you can catch a glimpse
The European Space Agency has set up a live feed of the transit here and NASA is providing real-time images from its satellites on its website. You can also check here for another live feed or visit this site for a live webcast with expert commentary. This one plans to host a show featuring images of Mercury taken by observatories around the globe. It also has a live telescope viewing option.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!