Rare Astronomical Treat Tomorrow
By Hazarry bin Haji Ali Ahmad

Bandar Seri Begawan - Local astronomers are preparing to witness a rare transit of Mercury tomorrow morning (November 9, 2006).

Transit is a passage of a planet in front of the sun. The event will begin when the planet starts entering the bright solar disk at 3.12am. But local observers will only have the chance to see the event right after sunrise at 6.06am local time.

If weather permits, transit watchers will be able to see Mercury appear as a black spot less than 1/195 the diameter of the sun passing across the sun disk.

As with any solar observation, prevention from eyes damage should be practised at all times. During the transit, Mercury will hardly be seen with the naked eye, and so the best method of observing is to project the image of the sun on to a screen. Another method is to use a telescope or binocular equipped with solar filters.

The two-hour long phenomena will end when the planet egresses the solar disk at-8:10 am.

Astronomy enthusiasts in Brunei and interested people are welcome to gather for the Mercury transit observation at Tungku Beach starting at 6.00am tomorrow (November 9). The observation is organised by the Astronomy Unit of Brunei Survey Department. A powerful telescope and a few mini-scopes will be set up for a safe public viewing.

Mercury transit is uncommon, the next event will occur in May 9, 2016 but it will be invisible from our region. People in Brunei will have to wait for another three decades for the next Mercury transit to be visible from Brunei on Nov 13, 2032. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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