Venus Transit 2012 - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

Venus Transit 2012

On Tuesday 5 June 2012; a very rare astronomical event will happen when Venus will Transit or move across the disk of the Sun.

WARNING: Do Not Look At The Sun Without Proper Safe Solar Protective Equipment. Even a brief glimpse of the Venus Transit without proper safe solar protective equipment can cause permanent eye damage or blindness. Do not attempt to look at the Sun without proper solar protective equipment. Venus moving in front of the Sun will not provide any protection against the Sun's Harmful Rays.

The Transit will start at 6:05 p.m. and continue until Sunset about 8:30 p.m. (depending on your horizon). Venus will appear as a large black dot against the Sun's disk. Venus will slowly move across the Sun getting about 1/3 way across the Sun by Sunset. This is the last Venus Transit of this century. The next Transit of Venus will be on 11 December 2117. There will be Sunspots visible during the Venus Transit.

The Vermont Astronomical Society (VAS) and the Green Mountain Alliance of Amateur Astronomers (GMAAA) will have telescopes set up with proper safe solar protective equipment for the general public to view the Transit and Sunspots:

Here are the places for the general public to view the Transit:

1. Hubbardton, VT

Time: 6:00 - 10:00 PM (Rain Date: None)
Where: Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site
Contact: Hubbardton@HistoricVermont.org
For Directions: www.historicvermont.org/
Hubbardton Battlefield State Historical Site
5696 Monument Hill Road
Hubbardton, Vermont 05732

After dusk, some amateur astronomers will stay on and observe the night sky. The public is welcome to join in both the transit and night sky activities.

2. South Burlington, VT

Time: 5:30 - 8:30 PM (Rain Date: None)
Where: Dorset Park (In front of the Arena)
Contact: South Burlington Parks and Recreation
For Directions: www.sburlrecdept.com
Dorset Park
Dorset Street
South Burlington, VT 05403

3. South Alburgh, VT

Time: 6:00 - 8:30 PM (Rain Date: None)
Where: 70 Poor Farm Road, South Alburgh, VT 05440
Contact: Joe Comeau
For Directions: 802-238-1664

At all viewing areas the general public is welcomed and the admission is Free

NOTE: This event is weather dependent. There must be clear skies to observe the Transit.

For general information about the Venus Transit: www.transitofvenus.org

Written by Gary T. Nowak; Vermont Astronomical Society