A Transit of Venus

On June 5th, 2012 the planet Venus will pass directly between the Sun and Earth in a rare planetary alignment. As observed from Earth, Venus will appear as a small disc slowing passing across the Sun–an event known as a transit of Venus (TOV). There is a rich history associated with these transits; June 5th’s transit will only be the 7th TOV to be observed since the early 17th century invention of the telescope. Thereafter, the next TOV will not occur until 2117!

 

Of course, we are not going to miss such an exciting event.  Unfortunately, Mimi couldn’t join us because of her gym class (at another thought, why not taking a day off for an event in the life time?)

 

We agreed to meet at CT Bento with our friends.  When mommy got there, our sushi chef was already rushing the orders out.

 

 

Mommy was a bit worried because the sky didn’t seem cooperating.

 

 

However, it soon cleared up and was ready for a beautiful viewing!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Someone was trying to get the reflection of the sun from telescope to the wall.  Up close, you can see the small disk shadow of Venus from the reflection.

 

 

 

 

NEVER observe at the sun without a proper solar filter.  Eye protections were distributed around the audience.

 

 

 

 

 

We stood in line for the small telescope.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s interesting to see the reflection from my telescope…..

 

 

 

It took mommy a while because she needed to make her wish (and we all did)!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the large telescope from Fuertes Observatory at Cornell Unversity.

 

 

This guy shamelessly cut the line (with his whole family).  He is from CHINA!!!

 

 

 

 

In case anyone is interested, here is the photo of Venus from internet…..