Friday, June 1, 2012

Venus' Transit 2012


Transits of Venus are exceptionally rare astronomical phenomena. A transit of Venus happens when the planet directly passes between the Sun and the Earth. These transits come in pairs eight years apart but are separated by at least a century.


Views from Venus' Transit in 2004. Credit: NASA/LMSAL


A transit of Venus will be visible here in the Philippines on June 6, 2012. The last sighting was in 2004. The next one will occur in 2117. Thus, this is an event not surely to be missed.

Basically, it is an eclipse of the Sun by Venus. We should see Venus as an apparent dark spot passing across the face of the Sun from around 6:00am until 1:00pm. But be reminded that proper eye protection must be used in observing the transit. Solar filters are available in specialty stores.



Please install latest Flash Player to run SunAeon Venus Transit 2012
Simulation of the Venus Transit on June 6, 2012 as viewed from an Altitude-Azimuth (Alt-Az) mounted telescope from Quezon City, Philippines. Credit: www.sunaeon.com

Shown above is a simulation of the Venus Transit as viewed on June 6, 2012 from an Altitude-Azimuth mounted telescope. The loop is an effect of field rotation in Alt-Az mounted telescopes. However, Venus should be apparently traveling in a straight path across the face of the Sun when viewed on transit.

Transits provide opportunities for Scientists for more research. This is the main reason why many people travel miles just to have the chance to observe the transit. Astronomers are given the opportunity to search for exoplanets. Scientists are able to compare Venus' diameter from past recordings. Besides that, more information about the atmosphere of Venus will be provided. These phenomena also provided more evidence about the distances between the heavenly bodies.

Because this is an astronomical event not to be missed, UP Astronomical Society in collaboration with the Australian Embassy, UPLB Astronomical Society, RTU Astronomical Society, UP PreMedical SocietyDOST-PAGASA, and D'Great Rovers presents REKINDLING VENUS. A special coverage of the transit of Venus this June 6, 2012 at the UP Diliman College of Science Amphitheater.




The event is open and free for all, so bring your friends with you in this rare phenomena. See you on that special Wednesday morning, June 6th! For more information, contact Anj 09179494755, Dean 09175807420, or Nico 09264241505. You may also visit our event page for more details.



References:
  • Rao, J. (2012, May 29). How the Transit of Venus Across the Sun Enthralled Stargazers Through History. Retrieved from http://www.space.com/15893-venus-transit-sun-history.html
  • Transit of Venus Organization. (2012, May 11). Rare Alignment. Retrieved from http://www.transitofvenus.org/education/science-math/141-rare-alignment
  • Venus' Transit Image. Image of the Day Gallery. Retrieved from http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_184.html
  • Venus' Transit Simulation.(http://www.sunaeon.com/venustransit/).

No comments:

Post a Comment