Transit of Mercury Starts at Sunrise (Cafe)

On Monday morning, November, 11, when kids are out of school for Veterans Day, the planet Mercury will be passing directly in front of the sun. The 2019 Transit of Mercury is only visible if you have a solar-filtered telescope. You're welcome to join me in South Bend, IN, as I bounce around to a few sites to watch the 5 1/2 hour event. Start the day sunny side up!

8:00-9:30 a.m. at Sunrise Cafe, 1805 Lincoln Way West

Mercury first appears to encroach upon the edge of the sun just a few minutes after the 7:28 a.m. EST sunrise. I'm going to miss those first few minutes, admittedly, but I'll set up a telescope and enjoy a good breakfast at the appropriately named Sunrise Cafe at 1805 Lincoln Way West, South Bend, IN 46628. Speaking of transit, to access the location by bus, take the SB Transpo Route 4 Lincolnway West/Airport.

10:00 a.m. - Noon at JESUS Gallery, 2113 Elwood Ave.

Join me from 10:00 a.m. to noon outside the JESUS Gallery at 2113 Elwood Ave., South Bend, Indiana 46628. We have a short window to view between the trees to the south. Our host Deacon John Tugman invites you to witness Psalm 19:1, in which the transit of Mercury affirms "the heavens declare the glory of God." We'll also give away some packets of Black Drop Effect coffee, which features a stained glass window of transit-related images on the label.

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Propose a site

The instant Mercury touches the inside edge of the sun is historically the most significant moment of the transit. Please propose a site if you know of one with a good sightline to the south after noon.

NOTE: The transit of Mercury can be seen directly only with adequate solar filters and magnification. Do not look at the sun without proper eye protection.