This eclipse occurs only 13 times a century. Monday at 13:35 sharp, the small planet of the solar system, Mercury, will pass in front of the Sun. "This is not a classic eclipse," says Alain Cirou, a science journalist and space expert, on Europe 1.
"Planetary Transit"
The phenomenon will last more than three hours, to end around 17h. "This is a very slow movement of the planet, which will pass in front of the solar disk.It can be compared to a confetti moving on a yellow balloon," says Alain Cirou. To distinguish the "confetti", it will however be necessary to be equipped with a very specific equipment: glasses, telescope, filters ... and a clear weather.
Difficult to observe for the general public, the event is of great importance for scientists. "Astronomers use the so-called method of 'planetary transits' to observe at a great distance the passage of planets in front of other stars," says Alain Cirou. This method is used in modern astronomy to prove the existence of exoplanets revolving around other stars.
Notice to astronomy lovers ... The next eclipse of this type will not take place before 2032.