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Mercury putting on rare show Monday, parading across the sun

Mercury putting on rare show Monday, parading across the sun | iNFOnews.ca
In this composite image provided by NASA, the planet Mercury passes directly between the sun and Earth on May 9, 2016, in a transit which lasted seven-and-a-half-hours. On Monday, Nov. 11, 2019, Mercury will make another transit, visible from the eastern U.S. and Canada, and all Central and South America. The rest of North America, Europe and Africa will catch part of the action. Asia and Australia will miss out. (NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/SDO/Genna Duberstein via AP)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mercury is putting on a rare celestial show next week, parading across the sun in view of most of the world.

The solar system's smallest, innermost planet will resemble a tiny black dot Monday as it passes directly between Earth and the sun.

Unlike its 2016 transit, Mercury will score a near bull's-eye this time, passing practically dead centre in front of the sun.

The entire 5 1/2-hour event will be visible, weather permitting, in the eastern U.S. and Canada, and all Central and South America.

The rest of North America, Europe and Africa will catch part of the action.

Asia and Australia will miss out.

Telescopes or binoculars with solar filters are recommended.

Mercury's next transit isn't until 2032.

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Howard Alexander

Assistant Editor Howard Alexander comes to iNFOnews.ca from the broadcasting side of the media business.

Howard has been a reporter, news anchor, talk show host and news director, first in Saskatchewan and then the Okanagan.

He moved his family to Vernon in the 90s and is proud to call the Okanagan home.

If you have an event to share contact Howard at 250-309-5343or email halexander@infonews.ca.

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