Monday, May 9 at 10 a.m. — HUBBARDTON — May 9 presents a chance to see, during the daytime, one of 2016’s rare celestial events. Visit the Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site on Monday, May 9 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to safely observe the planet Mercury passing in front of the sun, sky conditions permitting. Peak is at 10:57 a.m.
Members of the Green Mountain Alliance of Amateur Astronomers will have available over 25 pairs of certified eclipse shades safe for direct solar viewing as well as the finest protective telescope filters.
This is the first time Mercury has passed in front of the sun since 2006. The next transits are in 2019 and then not again until 2039. The transit or passage of a planet across the face of the Sun is a relatively rare occurrence. As seen from Earth, only transits of Mercury and Venus are possible. There are approximately 13 transits of Mercury each century. In comparison, transits of Venus occur in pairs with more than a century separating each pair.
Call on the day to confirm at 802-273-2282. Donations are appreciated; children under 15 are free.
The Hubbardton Battlefield is located on Monument Hill Road, seven miles north of US Route 4 from Castleton or six miles east of VT Route 30 in Hubbardton. For more info, visit historicsites.vermont.gov.
