Early birds can catch transit of venus

Event will repeat on December 11, 2117; Sun filters must for viewing

A rare celestial event will take place on June 6, 2012.

We’re the lucky generation to be able to watch it live! Scientists, astronomers, hobbyists, professionals, science enthusiasts and even, general public are gearing up to catch every glimpse of and relish the celestial spectacle - the transit of Venus.

The planet Venus will move slowly like a small black spot over the face of the sun and is visible from sun rise till 10 am.  

Why is the event rare and why are we the lucky ones?

If we miss the transit of Venus on 6 June 2012, we will not be able to see it again in our lifetime as the next transit will be on December 11, 2117.
The last time a similar event occurred was on June 8, 2004.

This event is not a random occurrence.
There is a pattern. Venus transit occurs in 8-year pairs separated by 121.5 years and 105.5 years alternatively. Here is a table that makes it simple:
December 1631  - December 1639- 8-year pair of Venus transits, Jun 1761 – June 1769-This pair separated by 121.5 years from the previous pair, December 1874 – December 1882-this pair separated by 105.5 years from the previous pair, June 2004 – June 2012-this pair separated by 121.5 years from the previous pair.  December 2117 – Dec 2125- this pair separated by 105.5 years from the previous pair.

Watching the event

As we will have to see sun for extended periods of time, caution is necessary. We cannot look at the sun directly, as its bright rays may burn the retina in the eye causing permanent damage.

Don’t use

Smoked glass, x-ray sheets etc.. should not be used because they do not uniformly reduce the intensity of sunlight, and uneven thickness can let the sun light in and damage small regions of retina.

Those who are interested in watching the spectacle may visit the Ursu Boarding School, next to Zilla Panahcyat office on Krishnaraja Boulevard Road between 6.30 am and 10.30 am.  For more information contact B Ravi on 9481439013.

Just come out and enjoy the spectacle and while doing so, ensure the victory of science over superstition!

By AIMSS

All India Mahila Samskrutika Sanghatane (AIMSS), with its office on D Subbaiah road has organised viewing transit of Venus on Friday, June 6. The rare celestial event can be viewed between 8.30 am and 10.20 am on the day. AIMSS in association with girl students’ unit, JSS College, Break Through Science Society, will distribute sun filters to those interested in witnessing the transit of Venus at JSS College, Saraswatipuram, said a press release.