For Immediate Release
October 29, 2019

Last Chance to See Mercury Transit the Sun Until 2032, See it at Suffolk County Community College November 11

mercury transits the sun global location

The last opportunity for Long Islanders to see Mercury transit the Sun until the year 2032 will occur on November 11.  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.

The Suffolk County Community College Ammerman Campus Astronomy Club will host a public viewing of the Transit of Mercury on Monday November 11 from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.  The club will position telescopes for solar viewing in Veteran’s Plaza in front of the Smithtown Science Building. Free parking will be available in lot 7.

The event is free but the club asks that participants bring a clothing and/or canned good donation that will be given to a local veteran’s organization.

Importantly, please note that the event is dependent upon clear skies.  If it is overcast/cloudy or raining, the event will be cancelled. 

Contact Professor Matthew Pappas by e-mail (pappasm@sunysuffolk.edu) or phone (631-451-4301) with questions.

DIRECTIONS:
Take the Long Island Expressway to Exit 62. Proceed north on Nicolls Road (CR97) about 2 miles to first traffic light. Turn right at the main campus entrance.

MAP (PDF): https://www.sunysuffolk.edu/about-suffolk/campus-information/documents/ammerman-campus-map.pdf

PARKING:
Park for this event in Lot 7