On Monday, May 9, the planet Mercury will transit between the Earth and the Sun for the first time in nearly a decade. Come out to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to safely observe this rare astronomical event through solar-filtered telescopes. In addition to making two presentations, Museum and associated scientists will be facilitating the observation, and will be available to answer questions about transits and what they can teach us about our solar system.
Schedule
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Transit of Mercury Observation *
Bicentennial Plaza with Raleigh Astronomy Club
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Transit of Mercury Observation *
Nature Research Center, 4th floor terrace
11 a.m.
“Planet One: A Brief Tour of History and Discovery on Mercury”
Rachel L. Smith, Head of the Museum’s Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Lab
SECU Daily Planet Theater
11:30 a.m.
“Observing Transits Continues to Shape Our View of the Solar System”
Tony Rice, NASA/JPL Ambassador
SECU Daily Planet Theater
* In the event of overcast weather, the Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Lab will be open to visitors from noon to 2 p.m. and there will be a live feed of the transit in the SECU Daily Planet Theater.