UBC astronomy profs set up telescope to view Mercury passing in front of the sun
Event: The planet Mercury will pass in front of the sun for the first time in a decade on Monday morning and UBC astronomers have set up a telescope viewing area for the public.
Date/Time: Monday, May 9, 9 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.
Location: Plaza between the Nest and the Hennings Building, 6133 Student Union Boulevard, University of British Columbia: http://www.maps.ubc.ca/?N049
Parking: North Parkade: http://www.maps.ubc.ca/?792
Event details: The UBC department of physics and astronomy, with the support of the UBC Astronomy Club, will host a public viewing of Mercury as it passes in front of the sun. There are few opportunities to witness this type of event with your own eyes; the last Mercury transit took place 10 years ago.
Several telescopes will be set up so people can see the event through eyepieces that filter the light and make it safe to look at the sun. Screens will also be set up so several people can watch at once.
Interviews: Astronomy professors Jaymie Matthews and Jeremy Heyl will be available to answer questions.