LAST CHANCE TO SEE RARE VENUS TRANSIT

Last chance to see rare Venus Transit

Venus transits across the sun as seen over Hong Kong on June 8, 2004 (Image: Reuters)

Calling all lovers of heavenly bodies..as in planets...

This will be your last chance to see an ultra-rare astronomical phenomenon – the Transit of Venus.

On June 5 and 6 – depending on the locations - Venus will pass directly in between the Earth and the Sun.

During the transit, the planet will appear as a small black dot gliding slowly across the stars.

This phenomenon can be seen from around the world - except for those in most regions of South America and Western Africa.

In Malaysia, the "sister planet" of the Earth will cross the Sun around 6.09am on June 6 (Wednesday), but it can only be seen after sunrise and will ends at about 12.50pm.

However, those in Sabah will be able to see the entire phenomena because the Sun rises before the transit begins.

Geometry of Venus Transit (Image: Angkasa)

In conjunction with this, the National Space Agency (Angkasa) is setting up a few telescopes at the National Planetarium in Kuala Lumpur from 8am to 1pm.

Explanation on Venus Transits and Astronomy Trivia will also be given.

Those who cannot attend, may watch the transit from 8am to 12.50am via http://www.angkasa.gov.my/planetarium or view the live photos taken from Sandakan through Malaysia Lunar Eclipse Facebook from 6.10am to 12.40am.

Transits of Venus occur in pairs that are eight years apart in 243 years. This means the next will occur 105.5 years later – predicted on Dec 11, 2117.

The first known observation of this phenomena was made by Jeremiah Horrocks from England in 1639. The subsequent occurrences took place in 1761, 1769, 1874, 1882 and 2004.

Geometry of Lunar Eclipse (Image: Angkasa)

Meanwhile, the partial Lunar Eclispe observation programme will also be held at the National Planetarium on June 4 (Monday) from 8pm to 10pm.

At the same time, the public will have the opportunity to observe the planets Mars and Saturn through telescopes if weather is permitted.

Lunar eclipse will occur when the Moon passes the Earth’s shadow during full Moon.

Source: Angkasa / Wikipedia

Published June 2, 2012

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How to View Transit of Venus Safely?

CAUTION! Viewing the Sun without safety filters can cause a permanent eye damage or blindness. 

There are three safe ways to view the transit.

• 1. “Eclipse” glasses
• 2. Specially designed solar telescopes or solar binoculars
• 3. Telescopes, cameras and binoculars WITH approved solar filter
• 4. Projection from telescopes, binoculars or mirrors. 

Image projection from telescopes, binoculars or mirrors project to the wall or cardboard and we see the projection images ONLY.