Transit of Mercury: Picture Gallery

		At 9:30am Mercury can be seen in the upper right quadrant of the sun. There is an isolated sunspot towards the centre, with a group of two at the bottom right edge.
		An hour later, the movement of the planet's tiny disc across the sun's face is very evident.
		Just past 11 o'clock, and the end of the transit is in sight.
		A composite of six images shows Mercury's track as the transit proceeds.

		Close-ups show that Mercury's disc is truly black and circular: compare it with the grey'ish oval sunspot to the left. Also note how the edge of the sun is less bright than towards the centre - this is because we are looking through a smaller depth of glowing gas.

		With just 10mins to go, the planet gets closer and closer to the sun's limb.
		Approaching third contact - Mercury's disc is almost touching the edge of the sun.
		The sun's limb cuts the planet in two.
		Only a minute left, and Mercury's shadow leaves just a notch in the sun's edge.
		That's all folks! Fourth contact, as Mercury leaves the face of the sun. Next opportunity is 9th May 2016 - don't miss it!