The transit of Venus in 2012 will begin at about 3:09 p.m. PDT (6:09 p.m. EDT or 2209 GMT) and last nearly seven hours as Venus crosses the face of the sun. A transit of Venus across the Sun takes place when the planet Venus passes directly between the Sun and Earth, becoming visible against (and hence obscuring a small portion of) the solar disk. During a transit, Venus can be seen from Earth as a small black disk moving across the face of the Sun. Transit of Venus , No. 14 welder's glass, Transit of Venus, Sun-Earth Day 2012,
Venus transits are historically of great scientific importance as they were used to gain the first realistic estimates of the size of the Solar System. Observations of the 1639 transit, combined with the principle of parallax, provided an estimate of the distance between the Sun and the Earth that was more accurate than any other up to that time. How to Photograph Transit of Venus Safely,
In addition, the June 2012 transit will provide scientists with a number of other research opportunities, particularly in the refinement of techniques to be used in the search for exoplanets.
A transit of Venus can be safely observed by taking the same precautions used to observe the partial phases of a solar eclipse. Staring at the Sun without appropriate eye protection can quickly cause serious and often permanent eye damage.
But how can Venus transit photographers capture the rare celestial sight safely? The basic requirements for photographing the transit with a digital camera are very much the same as those for imaging sunspots or a partial solar eclipse. And as luck would have it, these same tips can help you snap photos of a partial lunar eclipse of Monday (June 4), too.
Observers on seven continents, including part of Antarctica, will be able to see the Venus transit, though for some skywatchers the event will occur on Wednesday, June 6, due to the International Date Line.
On the 5th of June, we will be able to witness a once in a lifetime event, which occurred only seven times since the age of Galileo Galilei; the next time Venus will pass in front of the Sun will be 105 years from now, in 2117.
Observers all over the world will be able to catch a glimpse of the phenomenon, although for some it might be at an uncomfortable hour. But how can you safely photograph this event? A few basic measures should be taken.
