Western hemisphere saw this on June 5, eastern hemisphere will see it today — Venus passing in front of the sun. This rare planetary alignment, called transit of Venus, last occurred in June 2004
What is Venus transit?
When Venus passes directly between earth and the sun, we see the distant planet as a small dot gliding slowly across the face of the sun. Historically, this rare alignment is how we measured the size of our solar system. The view is like a front row seat to the transit method, by which we now find planets around distant stars
When is it?
On June 6 at 7am. The entire transit will last for more than six hours. This sight won't come again until 105 years from now— in 2117
For safe viewing:
Do not look directly at the sun
Use a small mirror or pinhole to see the reflected image.
Nehru Planetarium and Nehru Science Centre will have telescopes and solar glasses within their premises for the public to see the rare phenomenon.
View the event live on:
Nehru Centre: www.nehru-centre.org
National Council for Science Museums: www.ncsm.org.in
NASA: http://sunearthday.nasa.gov/2012/transit/webcast.php
