Hinode Captures Mercury Transit

MERCURY RISING

This image of Mercury passing in front of the sun was captured Nov. 8 by the Solar Optical Telescope, one of three primary instruments on Hinode. Image credit: Hinode JAXA/NASA/PPARC

by Staff Writers
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Nov 15, 2006
The Solar Optical Telescope on Hinode has captured sequential images of Mercury passing directly in front of the sun. Known as a Mercury transit, the event occurred Nov. 8, for the first time since 2003. Mercury transits are relatively rare, with only about 13 occurring each century. The solar image shows the granulation pattern that is the visible surface of the sun's convection zone.

Known as Solar-B before reaching orbit, Hinode seeks to shed new light on the sun's magnetic field and how it impacts life on Earth. Led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, the mission is a collaboration between the space agencies of Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe.

MERCURY RISING

Upcoming Mercury Transit Whets The Appetite For MESSENGER

Laurel MD (SPX) Nov 07, 2006
On Wednesday, November 8, the planet Mercury will make a rare trek across the face of the Sun, beginning at 2:12 p.m. EST and lasting for nearly five hours. Observers in North and South America, Australia, and parts of Asia will have a good view; the transit also will be captured via a live Webcast that will include discussions on the science, technology, and history of the transit, as well as current knowledge of the Sun and space weather.

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