Venus in Transit: The Rarest Eclipse

Venus in Transit: The Rarest Eclipse

Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 6:30-8 pm

Among the rarest of astronomical events, the Venus transit will be visible in our area on June 5, from just after 6:00 pm until sunset. A Venus transit is a phenomenon in which Venus passes like a small shadow across the face of the Sun. While the last transit occurred in 2004, after the transit of June 5, there won't be another until 2117. The transit can be seen (with proper protection!) by the unaided eye.

Join Bob Koester to unravel the reasons for the peculiar sequence of Venus transits, and explore the fascinating scientific history of transit observations. In 1716, English astronomer Edmond Halley proposed a method for calculating our distance from the Sun—the then unknown astronomical unit—using the transit of Venus. Astronomers continue to use transits of distant stars to find exoplanets.  Bob's interest in astronomy is life-long and has influenced many of his travel plans; he viewed the 2004 Venus transit from the roof of the Vatican Observatory in Castel Gandolfo.

Free.