Where to Watch the Rare Transit Of Mercury in the Stateline

All eyes to the skies on Monday as a rare solar phenomena will take place that hasn't happened in over 10 years.

It's called the "Mercury Transit" and it only happens 13 times a century. You will be able to observe the passing of the planet Mercury, which will pass between Earth and the sun on Monday.

The last time this happened was in 2006.

So if you are wondering what is a "transit" it is, according to Space.com it's when one of planets Earth and the sun (Mercury or Venus) passes directly between us.

Transits of Venus occur in pairs separated by about eight years, with more than a century separating each pair.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to view the transit with your eyes looking up at the sun, you will damage your vision. Staring at the sun is a bad idea. The way to properly view it is through a high powered telescope with the proper light filters. This will prevent eye damage.

NIU's Observatory will be hosting an event on Monday, weather permitting, from 6:15 AM to 1:45 PM for the transit of Mercury! Check out their Facebook Page for more information.

More on the Mercury Transit in the video below.