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Abstract

Observations on the transit of Mercury, May 10, 1981 from a private observatory in Launceston. There was a clear, well-defined spot on the sun's southern
hemisphere, not large, about half a minute in diameter as
nearly as I could estimate, including penumbra. Between
this and the planet I managed to get a few chance micrometer
measures, during the intervals of comparative brightness.
Whilst engaged in this a bright spot on the centre of the
planet's disc caught my attention, apparently as if the sun
were shining through a hole in the planet. A similar appearance
has been noted by some observers of previous
transits, but the thing seems so unaccountable and improbable
that it has been attributed to optical illusion.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Biggs, Alfred Barrett
Keywords:	Royal Society of Tasmania, Van Diemens Land, VDL, Hobart Town, natural sciences, proceedings, records
Journal or Publication Title:	Papers & Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
Collections:	Royal Society Collection > Papers & Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
Additional Information:	In 1843 the Horticultural and Botanical Society of Van Diemen's Land was founded and became the Royal Society of Van Diemen's Land for Horticulture, Botany, and the Advancement of Science in 1844. In 1855 its name changed to Royal Society of Tasmania for Horticulture, Botany, and the Advancement of Science. In 1911 the name was shortened to Royal Society of Tasmania.
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