. 24/7 Space News .
Hinode Captures Mercury Transit

This image of Mercury passing in front of the sun was captured Nov. 8 by the Solar Optical Telescope, one of three primary instruments on Hinode. Image credit: Hinode JAXA/NASA/PPARC
by Staff Writers
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Nov 15, 2006
The Solar Optical Telescope on Hinode has captured sequential images of Mercury passing directly in front of the sun. Known as a Mercury transit, the event occurred Nov. 8, for the first time since 2003. Mercury transits are relatively rare, with only about 13 occurring each century. The solar image shows the granulation pattern that is the visible surface of the sun's convection zone.

Known as Solar-B before reaching orbit, Hinode seeks to shed new light on the sun's magnetic field and how it impacts life on Earth. Led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, the mission is a collaboration between the space agencies of Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe.

Related Links
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
News Flash at Mercury
Stellar Chemistry, The Universe And All Within It



Memory Foam Mattress Review
Newsletters :: SpaceDaily :: SpaceWar :: TerraDaily :: Energy Daily
XML Feeds :: Space News :: Earth News :: War News :: Solar Energy News


Upcoming Mercury Transit Whets The Appetite For MESSENGER
Laurel MD (SPX) Nov 07, 2006
On Wednesday, November 8, the planet Mercury will make a rare trek across the face of the Sun, beginning at 2:12 p.m. EST and lasting for nearly five hours. Observers in North and South America, Australia, and parts of Asia will have a good view; the transit also will be captured via a live Webcast that will include discussions on the science, technology, and history of the transit, as well as current knowledge of the Sun and space weather.







  • Space Flight May Be As Easy As Making A Golf Putt As Space Tourism Begins
  • KFC Hopes Aliens Will Want To Buy Junk Food
  • SpaceEdutainment Theme Park Investor Road Show Blasts Off With KPMG Plan
  • No More Space For Space As Tickets Sell Out

  • Opportunity On The Move After Solar Conjunction
  • Spirit Rover Ready To Bump Back Into Action On Mars
  • SciSys Wins Key Technology Role In Support Of Europen Mars Rover
  • Mars Global Surveyor Goes Quiet After 10 Year Mission To Mars

  • ILS Proton Successfully Launches ARABSAT BADR-4 Satellite
  • TerreStar Networks Chooses Arianespace to Launch TerreStar I
  • AMC-18 Launch Campaign Begins
  • Phil Sumrall Heads Development Of NASA's Future Heavy-Lift Launch Vehicle

  • SciSys Wins Software Role For CryoSat-2 Mission
  • Next Generation Imaging Detectors Could Enhance Space Missions
  • SSTL Signs Contract With Federal Republic Of Nigeria For Supply Of EO Satellite
  • NASA Snow Data Helps Maintain Largest And Oldest Bison Herd

  • Making Old Horizons New
  • Scientist Who Found Tenth Planet Discusses The Downgrading Of Pluto
  • New Horizons Spacecraft Snaps Approach Image of the Giant Planet
  • Does The Atmosphere Of Pluto Go Through The Fast-Freeze

  • Twenty New Stars In The Neighborhood
  • Double Star Mission Extension
  • Stars Churning Away In Large Magellanic Cloud
  • Scientists Crack Open Stellar Evolution

  • China And Russia Discuss Lunar Project
  • Escaping Gasses From Moon Expose Fresh Surface
  • Scientists Discuss Indian Manned Space Mission
  • The Moon Not As Dead Cold As Believed

  • Portable Laser Tools Sets New Standard In Accuracy And Payback Construction Apps
  • China To Launch 2 Satellites For Compass Navigation System
  • Russia To Lift Glonass Restrictions For Accurate Civilian Use
  • Cut from Different Cloth

  • The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement