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By Dr David Whitehouse
BBC News Online science editor
Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, is set to move in front of the
star as viewed from Earth on Wednesday, 7 May.
Such transits are few and astronomers - amateur and professional -
will be keen to see and film the event.
If you have the right equipment, and take the correct precautions,
Mercury will be visible as a small dark spot that appears first on the
Sun's northeastern limb.
Under no circumstances look at the star with the unaided eye or with
binoculars or a telescope - blindness can result. If you do not have
the proper equipment, experts recommend watching the event on the
internet.