"Transit of Venus"

 The Transit of Venus is among the rarest of astronomical events, evidenced by the fact that it has occurred only seven times since the invention of the telescope. Astronomers are excited about this June, because Venus will cross the disc of the Sun again, this time for the second time in the 21st century.

This rare event last took place in 2004, and that was the first time since 1882. The phenomenon happens in recurring intervals of 8 years, 121.5 years, 8 years, and 105.5 years. The last occurrence was 8 years ago, the next one will be in 105.5 years—on December 11, 2117.

During the transit, Venus will pass between the sun and earth and become visible as a small dot against the sun’s disk. It will take Venus almost seven hours to make the transit across the sun.

The Transit of Venus will be visible in the mainland United States on June 5. Join the Museum of Arts and Sciences and the Middle Georgia Astronomical Society on the Great Lawn of Amerson Water Works Park from 6 to 8 p.m. to safely observe this rare event through specifically-filtered telescopes.

Because the event will not be visible from the continental U.S. in its entirety, NASA, through a partnership with the University of Hawaii Institute of Astronomy, will air a live, remote webcast from a mountainside observatory in Hilo.