DENTON, Texas (UNT) - On May 9 (Monday), the closest planet to the sun, Mercury, will pass across the face of the sun like a little black dot. You can safely witness the moment through UNT's high-powered telescopes – and even take a photo. The University of North Texas will host a free public event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the transit of Mercury. The viewing will take place at the southwest corner of the Environmental Education, Science & Technology Building, 1704 W. Mulberry St., Denton. The next opportunity to see this will be more than a decade from now.

Participants will be able to see the event through special filtered telescopes that protect your eyes. There will also be a setup to take high-quality photos with your own camera or smartphone. Professors will be on-hand to give an explanation of the event.

"A transit of Mercury is one of the more rare events we seem," said Ron Diiulio, director of the UNT Astronomy program. "In fact, the next one won't happen until 2027. It would be a waste if you missed this one."

For more information, contact UNT Planetarium and Astronomy Program Director Ron Dilulio at 940-369-8213. More information on UNT Astronomy can be found online.