TRANSIT OF MERCURY, MAY 7. 2003
On Wednesday, May 7 2003, Mercury will be in front of the Sun. The phenomenon
is called a transit of Mercury and occurs relatively rare. During a century
there are in average about 13 transits. In Norway, the last one occured in 1973.
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On May 7. Mercury will pass in front of the Sun, as seen
from the
Earth. With the right equipment one would be able to see it
as a tiny, black spot against the intensely shining solar
disc. Also look at the animations below.
Illustration: Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics |
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ABOUT THE TRANSIT OF MERCURY Here you can read about the phenomenon and when and how to observe it. Read more. |
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LIVE WEBCAST OF THE TRANSIT OF MERCURY Live pictures of the transit was shown at this site 7. May 2003. See some of the pictures. |
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AN EVENT An event will take place at Blindern, University of Oslo May 7. Read more. |
ANIMATIONS:
| Quicktime animation that shows the transit of Mercury, May 7. 2003. Close-up version. Duration 9 sec. 3,7 MB. Animation: Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo. |
| Quicktime animation that shows the transit of Mercury, May 7. 2003. Close-up version. Duration 29 sec. 11 MB. Animation: Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo. |
| Quicktime animation that shows the transit of Mercury, May 7. 2003. Duration 10 sec. 0,8 MB. Animation: Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo. |
| Quicktime animation that shows the transit of Mercury, May 7. 2003. Duration 9 min 38 sec. 13,8 MB. Animation: Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo. |
| Quicktime animation that shows the transit of Mercury, May 7. 2003. Enhanced quality, short version. Duration 10 sec. 5,7 MB. Animation: Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo. |
LINKS:
| NASA about the transit of Mercury, May 7. 2003 |
| More about Mercury |
| ESA about the Transit of Mercury |
| Pictures from SOHO |
| Press release from ESO |
| Celestial Delights: Mercury Transits the Sun |
Knut Jørgen Røed Ødegaard
Project leader
Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics
P.O.Box 1029 Blindern
N-0315 Oslo
Norway
Phone: +47 22 85 75 22 (Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics)
+47 992 77 172 (mobile phone)
+47 613 11 359 (private, weekend)
Email: knutjo@astro.uio.no
Created 01.01.03, modified 07.05.03 by Torben Leifsen
Address: webmaster@astro.uio.no