Satellites to See Mercury Enter Spotlight on May 9

Introduction

On May 9, 2016, the planet Mercury will pass in front of the sun, an event known as a transit. This rare astronomical event will be visible from Earth, but it will also be closely observed by a number of satellites in space. In this article, we will explore the significance of this transit and how satellites are being used to study it.

What is a Transit?

A transit occurs when a planet passes directly between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on the Earth's surface. This can only happen with the planets that are closer to the sun than Earth, namely Mercury and Venus. Transits of Venus are even rarer than those of Mercury, occurring in pairs separated by over a century.

Why is the Transit Significant?

The transit of Mercury is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides an opportunity to study the planet's atmosphere and surface in detail. By analyzing the light that passes through Mercury's atmosphere during the transit, scientists can learn about its composition and temperature. Secondly, transits have historical significance. In the past, they were used to measure the distance between the Earth and the sun with great accuracy.

How Satellites are Used to Study Transits

Satellites are an important tool for studying transits because they can observe them from above the Earth's atmosphere. This allows for clearer images and more precise measurements. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) is one such satellite that will be observing the transit of Mercury on May 9. The SDO is equipped with instruments that can capture images of the sun in various wavelengths of light, allowing scientists to study its activity and structure.

Other Satellites Observing the Transit

In addition to the SDO, other satellites will also be observing the transit of Mercury on May 9. The European Space Agency's (ESA) Proba-2 satellite will be observing the transit from a different angle than the SDO, providing complementary data. The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) Hinode satellite will also be observing the transit, with a focus on studying Mercury's atmosphere.

Conclusion

The transit of Mercury on May 9 is a rare astronomical event that provides an opportunity for scientists to study the planet in detail. Satellites such as the SDO, Proba-2, and Hinode will be used to observe the transit from space, providing valuable data for scientific research. By studying transits, scientists can learn more about our solar system and the planets that orbit our sun.

FAQs

What is a transit?

A transit occurs when a planet passes directly between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on the Earth's surface.

Why is the transit of Mercury significant?

The transit of Mercury is significant because it provides an opportunity to study the planet's atmosphere and surface in detail. It also has historical significance as it was used in the past to measure the distance between the Earth and the sun.

How are satellites used to study transits?

Satellites are used to study transits because they can observe them from above the Earth's atmosphere, providing clearer images and more precise measurements.

Which satellites will be observing the transit of Mercury on May 9?

The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), Proba-2, and Hinode satellites will all be observing the transit of Mercury on May 9.

What can we learn from studying transits?

By studying transits, scientists can learn more about our solar system and the planets that orbit our sun. They can also gain insights into planetary atmospheres and surfaces.

This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.

Most frequent words in this abstract:
transit (4), will (4), satellites (3)