Planetary interception as Mercury transits the sun

Planetary interception as Mercury transits the sun

The planet Mercury transits in front of the sun. (© Tony’s Takes)
The planet Mercury transits in front of the sun. (© Tony’s Takes)

They call it a twice-in-a-lifetime event so I figured I better give it shot.

This morning, the planet Mercury passed between the Earth and the sun giving us a look at the closest planet to the sun. My problem – clouds! While our latest storm system here in Colorado was in the process of moving out, I was worried I wouldn’t get to see it.

Thankfully, not long before the event was over, skies cleared and I got my shot. Yes, it is just a little black dot on an orange ball but the geek in me was excited. 😀

The planet Mercury is 38% the size of our home planet and averages 48 million miles from us.

Did you miss the event? The next Mercury transit visible across all of North America doesn’t occur until May 7, 2049!

The planet Mercury transits in front of the sun. (© Tony’s Takes)
The planet Mercury transits in front of the sun. (© Tony’s Takes)
The planet Mercury transits in front of the sun. (© Tony’s Takes)
The planet Mercury transits in front of the sun. (© Tony’s Takes)

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