Space & Rocket Center hosting free viewing for Transit of Venus

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center, in conjunction with the Von Braun Astronomical Society, is hosting a free public viewing for the Transit of Venus, today from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. outside the Davidson Center for Space Exploration.

This phenomenon is viewable shortly after 5 p.m. and remains visible for nearly three hours until sunset, which is scheduled for 7:57 p.m.  Telescopes and safe-viewing equipment will be available to spectators for this “once in a lifetime” opportunity.  There will also be an astronomy-themed activity for children starting at 5:30 p.m.

The Transit of Venus takes place when Venus passes directly between Earth and the Sun, appearing as a small dot gliding slowly across the face of the Sun.  The 2012 transit is a seven-hour journey, but is only visible for a certain period of time depending on your geographic location.  Historically, this rare alignment is how astronomers measured the size of our solar system.  The last Transit of Venus took place in 2004, but after 2012 there will not be another until 2117.  Venus transits occur in pairs that are eight years apart, and then separated by long gaps of more than 100 years.

It’s important to note that looking directly into the Sun without proper eye protection can cause permanent damage.  To learn more about this and the Transit of Venus, go to http://www.transitofvenus.org/, and for more information about the Von Braun Astronomical Society, check out http://www.vbas.org/.