Transit of Venus - June 6, 2012

We were fortunate to be able to observe the June 8, 2004, Transit of Venus here in Athens, OH.  Several hundred observers gathered on the roof of the Research and Technology Building at Ohio University's main campus to watch the transit occur as the Sun rose. We had clear skies, coffee and donuts, several solar telescopes, and lots of eclipse glasses and welders glass to pass through the crowd.

Eight years have flown by and we are looking forward to the second opportunity to observe this special event on June 6, 2012. Instead of seeing the Sun rise with Venus in transit, we will be witnessing the transit at sunset. We will announce our location for a public viewing as the date draws closer. We will have several solar telescopes, eclipse glasses, and welders glass to pass around. This event is free and open to the public. This event is weather dependent - rain/clouds (>75% cloud cover) cancel.

Transits of Venus, when Venus goes across the disc of the Sun from our point of view, are rare. The next opportunity to view this event will be on December 11, 2117. As with all celestial events, there is a pattern of occurence. Transits of Venus occur at intervals of 8 years followed by 121.5 years, then again in 8 years followed by an interval of 105.5 years. 

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