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.
