STARRY NIGHTS
by Gary Boyle

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June 8, 2004
Transit of Venus

Astronomers around most of the world are gearing up for a once in a life time event, The Transit of Venus across the sun's disk. The last time human eyes view such a show was on Dec 6, 1882. Almost 122 years later it is our generation's turn.

On the morning of June 8th, most of North America, visually all of South America and the west side of Africa will catch the transit in progress as the sun rises in the east. at around 5:10 a.m. The rest will have a ring side seat for the entire transit.

Here in Ottawa, sunrise on June 8th is listed for 5:10 a.m. Those of you that will be viewing in safely will see a small black dot about 1/30th the diameter of the solar disk. The transit will already be some two-thirds under way. For the next couple of hours, this small dot will inch its way to the right side of the solar sphere. The show will be over around 7:30 a.m.

Since both our planets are tilted slightly in their orbits around the sun, a geometrical line up is quite rare, in the order of only four times in every 243 years. This fact adds to the curiosity of all who will view it.

Special precautions must be taken when dealing with the sun. NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT PROPER PROTECTION. People with telescopes should only be using a certified filter for their system. This is not an area to cut corners to save a few dollars. Home made remedies such as smoke glass are not as effect and can lead to eye injury, if not blindness.

Anyone wishing to view the transit with just your eyes, you can do so with a piece of number 14 welder's glass. This is the high grade, darkest colour green and will safely reduce the sun's glare and harmful rays to a comfortable level. A few welding supply dealers here in town are stocked in advance with this grade. Check the yellow pages under 'welding' for a location near you.

If weather prevents us from viewing this celestial waltz, another transit will occur on June 6, 2012 as the sun sets. And that will be it for our lifetime. The next scheduled transit will only be seen on Dec 11, 2117. It will be safe to say that we will not be around for that one.

Gary Boyle is a freelance astronomy educator and writer. He teaches astronomy to adult and children as well as hosts many summertime ‘Star Nights’ at Provincial Parks and campgrounds.
Visit his web site at: www.wondersofastronomy.com
Send Questions & Comments about the Starry Nights to Gary Boyle

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