Odds are we’ll all be gone the next time this dance comes around!
The planets Earth and Venus waltz in their orbits at different tempos and at different angles. But every once in a while we can see Venus’ form clearly silhouetted against the brilliance of the sun. One of those occasions comes tomorrow afternoon — and it won’t come again until 2117!
On Tuesday, Venus will cross in front of the sun. This event will take about seven hours and begin at 6:00 pm Eastern Daylight. The next time Venus passes the sun will be in 2117, says researchers at the Kepler Mission and planetary scientist at NASA Ames Research.
NASA will broadcast through the Internet from the top of Mauna Kea in Hawaii. Spectators in the Mid-Pacific will have a great view in particular because the sun will be high during the crossing. And in the U.S., the evening will offer the best views. Click here for the Webcast – Live Streaming Info!
This event may be more historical than scientific, but it is an astronomical event that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Learn the Important Safety Precautions for Tomorrow’s Venus Transit & More About This Incredible Celestial Event Here!
Venus Transit 2012: Global Visibility Map
The above figure, produced by Fred Espaneck for his “2012 Transit of Venus” web site, shows that the entire event will be widely visible from the western Pacific, eastern Asia, and eastern Australia.
Most of North and Central America, and northern South America will witness the beginning of the transit (on June 5) but the Sun will set before the event ends. Similarly, observers in Europe, western and central Asia, eastern Africa, and western Australia will see the end of the event since the transit will already be in progress at sunrise from those locations.