A transit of Mercury across the Sun takes place when the planet Mercury passes directly between the Sun and a superior planet. During a transit, Mercury appears as a tiny black dot moving across the Sun as the planet obscures a small portion of the solar disk. Because of orbital alignments, transits viewed from Earth occur in May or November. The last four such transits occurred on May 7, 2003; November 8, 2006; May 9, 2016; and November 11, 2019. The next will occur on November 13, 2032. A typical transit lasts several hours.
Next transit of Mercury visible in North America
A transit of Mercury across the Sun takes place when the planet Mercury passes directly between the Sun and a superior planet.
Historical Significance
A transit of Mercury across the Sun takes place when the planet Mercury passes directly between the Sun and a superior planet.
Events Before
Helen Wills Moody dies
Helen Wills Moody, American tennis player, known for american tennis player, died on 1998-01-01.
A paper published by Bryony Coles highlights the submerged land between Britain and Europe in the modern North Sea as a
A paper published by Bryony Coles highlights the submerged land between Britain and Europe in the modern North Sea as a once crucial inhabited landmass and names it Doggerland [1]
President Bill Clinton says "I want to say one thing to the American people; I did not have sexual relations with that w
President Bill Clinton says "I want to say one thing to the American people; I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky"
Osama bin Laden publishes a fatwa declaring jihad against all Jews and Crusaders
Osama bin Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden (10 March 1957 – 2 May 2011) was the founder and first general emir of the al-Qaeda militant organization.
"Baywatch" actress Pamela Anderson (31) divorces Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee (35) after 3 years of marriage
Pamela Denise Anderson is a Canadian-American actress, model and media personality.
Events After
Gisborne, New Zealand, with a population of approximately 32,754, is the first city in the world to welcome the new Mill
Gisborne, New Zealand, with a population of approximately 32,754, is the first city in the world to welcome the new Millennium
Microsoft chairman Bill Gates steps aside as chief executive and appoints company president Steve Ballmer as his success
Microsoft chairman Bill Gates steps aside as chief executive and appoints company president Steve Ballmer as his successor
NASDAQ Composite stock market index peaks at 5132.52, signaling the beginning of the end of the dot-com boom
NASDAQ Composite stock market index peaks at 5132.52, signaling the beginning of the end of the dot-com boom
South African cricket captain Hansie Cronje is charged by Delhi police with fixing One Day International matches against
South African cricket captain Hansie Cronje is charged by Delhi police with fixing One Day International matches against India
Metallica files a lawsuit against the peer-to-peer sharing platform Napster, accelerating a movement against file-sharin
Metallica files a lawsuit against the peer-to-peer sharing platform Napster, accelerating a movement against file-sharing programs
More from the 1990s
birth
Bryson Tiller is born
Bryson Tiller musician, known for american singer, was born on 1993-01-02. Bryson Djuan Tiller is an American R&B singer and rapper.
death
Alan Hale Jr. dies
Alan Hale Jr., American actor, known for american actor, died on 1990-01-02. Alan Hale Jr. was an American actor and restaurateur.
birth
Poppy [Moriah Rose Pereira] is born
Poppy [Moriah Rose Pereira] is born
birth
Peter Burling is born
Peter Burling, New Zealand athlete, known for new zealand sailor, was born on 1991-01-01. Peter Burling is a New Zealand sailor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on November 15, 1999?
- A transit of Mercury across the Sun takes place when the planet Mercury passes directly between the Sun and a superior planet. During a transit, Mercury appears as a tiny black dot moving across the Sun as the planet obscures a small portion of the solar disk. Because of orbital alignments, transits viewed from Earth occur in May or November.
- Why is Next transit of Mercury visible in North America significant?
- A transit of Mercury across the Sun takes place when the planet Mercury passes directly between the Sun and a superior planet.