Transit of Venus, June 5, 2012

On June 5th/6th (depending on where you are) a very rare astronomical event will occur--A transit of Venus. The planet Venus will pass in front of the Sun for the last time this century. Millions around the world will witness this rare astronomical phenomenon.


"A transit of Venus occurs when Venus passes directly between the sun and earth.  This alignment is rare, coming in pairs that are eight years apart but separated by over a century.  The last transit of Venus was a thrilling sight in 2004.  After June 2012, the next event occurs in 2117." Transit of Venus 


Here are some informative links:


3D Solar System simulator
Transit of Venus  has amazing information, including the answer to, why is the transit of Venus so rare? It states:


Transits of Venus have a strange pattern of frequency.  A transit will not have happened for about 121 ½  years (prior to 2004, the last one was 1882).  Then there will be one transit (such as the one in 2004) followed by another transit of Venus eight years later (in the year 2012).  Then there will be a span of about 105 ½ years before the next pair of transits occur, again separated by eight years.  Then the pattern repeats (121 ½ , 8, 105 ½ , 8).

The text continues, "The transit of Venus is essentially an annular eclipse of the sun by Venus."




Remember that looking directly at the sun can damage your eyes. On that note, check out these safety 
tips from the Transit of Venus Site on observing.