Space junkies and astronomers are in for a treat next week: NASA will be providing coverage when the planet Mercury passes between Earth and the sun.
NASA said Tuesday in a news release that they will host a one-hour TV special, and for the 鈥渞are celestial event.鈥�
According to NASA, Mercury passes between Earth and the sun only 13 times a century. Its last journey took place in 2006.
On the morning of May 9, Mercury will appear as a small black dot as it crosses the edge of the sun. The planet will then make a 鈥渓eisurely journey鈥� before exiting out of sight at 2:42 p.m. ET.
鈥淒ue to its diminutive size, viewing this event safely requires a telescope or high-powered binoculars fitted with solar filters made of specially-coated glass or Mylar,鈥� NASA said.
With magnification and proper solar filters, the entire path across the sun will be visible across the Eastern United States, while those in the West can watch the journey after sunrise.
The public will be able to view the event via , images on NASA鈥檚 website and the
Scientists will also be answering questions at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.
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