This month, the tiny planet Mercury will cross between us and the sun. This astronomical event is something that happens only 13 times every century. To mark the occasion, the Cincinnati Observatory is leading a citizen science project called "Shoot the Messenger." On Nov. 11 the observatory will assist those who want to safely observe the transit of Mercury and photograph it from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Click here for a helpful guide to constructing safe solar viewing equipment and photographing it.
Joining Cincinnati Edition to discuss the safest way to view this event from home or at school and the other wonders in the skies is Cincinnati Observatory Assistant Director Dean Regas.
Regas is also co-host of the PBS series Star Gazers and co-host of the Cincinnati Public Radio podcast, Looking Up. He just published his latest book, 100 Things to See in the Southern Night Sky: From Planets and Satellites to Meteors and Constellations: Your Guide to Stargazing.
This story first appeared on Oct. 21, 2019 and has been updated.
Listen to Cincinnati Edition live at noon M-F. Audio for this segment will be uploaded after 4 p.m. ET.
Never miss an episode by subscribing to our podcast on your favorite provider. And if you have a chance, please rate, review and share with friends:
