Mercury transits, M’lureans witness rare heavenly episode

Mangalore Today News Network

 Mangaluru, May 10, 2016: Enthusiastic Mangalureans in great numbers come to watch the rare transit of Mercury across the Sun on May 9, Monday evening, last seen here 13 years ago. Reports from many spots where arrangements were made indicate.

The Amateur Astronomers’ Association and the Pilikula Regional Science Centre had made arrangements on the terrace of the Mangaluru City Corporation complex and other points for people to watch the spectacle.

Former professor H. Jayanata, had brought out his telescope. Directing the telescope towards the Sun, Prof. Jayanta’s daughter Amruta made the image of the Sun from the view finder fall on a plain drawing sheet. “Watching the Sun directly could damage the retina. Hence, we made this arrangement,” K.V. Rao, director of Pilikula Science Centre, said.

Though the transit across the Sun from east to west started at 4.42 p.m., it was only around 5 p.m. that the movement of Mercury was noticed. Mercury was seen as a small dot on the image reflected on the paper. This small dot was seen slowly moving diagonally from left right. It was then visible till the Sun set. Those in the U.S. and African continent could get a complete view of the transit. Many people prayed this episode would trigger rain around the area soon and ease the woes of the people.

 The next time this rarity could be seen in Mangaluru would be in May 2032.  Several reports from interested people