Brunei Witnesses Rare Mercury Transit

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei experienced an astronomical event of mercury transit yesterday. The phenomenon began at 13 minutes past one.

Astronomy enthusiasts and the public gathered at Serasa Beach just to witness the occurrence of the transit which only happened 13 times within a century.

The event was visible from the Eastern part of North America and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia.

A powerful telescope equipped with solar filters and a camera connected directly to a T.V. Monitor for safer viewing was being set up.

Astronomically, transit occurs when the inner planets to Earth passed across the sun's disk. Therefore, other than Mercury, Venus is also possible to make the transit.

All transits of Mercury fall within several days between 8th of May and 10th of November. The next Mercury transit will occur at sunrise on 9th of November 2006.

On June 8, 2004 the people in Brunei will also be able to witness another planet transit of sun. This time it will involve Venus.

Another interesting astronomical event will take place in August this year during which mars will lie closest to earth, which is 55 point 7-6 Million Kilometres from earth making the red planet appears shining brighter at night.  -- Courtesy of Radio Television Brunei

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