Mon, May 9 2016 - Mason Mill Park Midday Hike + Rare Solar Transit of the Planet Mercury! + Picnic Lunch (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Charlie Cottingham Participants: Huiling, JoAnn, Leo McGregor, Kathleen M, Charlie Cottingham, Gloria Colley, Norman S, Mike C, Alan, Laura M

We had some nice views today of the "little black dot" of our smallest planet Mercury crossing the disc of the sun.  Luckily there was plenty of blue sky between the clouds and everyone got in a couple of safe views with my "solarized" binoculars.
After the observing session and a leisurely picnic lunch there at Mason Mill Park we enjoyed hiking to Medlock Park, taking several scenic loops off the main trail while en route back.
Mark your calendars for a  similar but much more sensational and rare astronomical event on Monday August 21st, 2017 when the BIG black disc of the Earth's moon will totally eclipse the sun!  I already have a draft event article in progress for an AOC trip to experience that spectacle together.  - Submitted by Charlie, Mon night 5/9/2016