Society looks to the skies in Mexborough and Swinton

The smallest planet will be on the agenda at a society’s event on Monday, with the public invited to check out its transit using telescopes at the society’s observatory on Lee Brooke Lane, Hoober, from 11am to 8pm.

The next time Mercury will pass between the Sun and the Earth after the coming week is in 2032.

Anyone in the UK will be able to observe the transit but they are advised not to look directly at the Sun and that specially-adapted telescopes are needed.

Members will be present at the Hoober observatory to help visitors use the equipment to view the transit safely and at high magnification.

Places should be booked (for free) by contacting Les Marsden on 01709 584217.