Kids & Family

Venus Transit 2012: When to Watch the Sky

In a rare phenomenon similar to a solar eclipse, the shadow of Venus crossing the sun will be visible shortly after 3 p.m. on the West Coast

Shortly after 3 p.m. on Tuesday, the Venus in Transit phenomenon will be viewable on the West Coast; for the late afternoon hours the shadow of Venus will be visible as it silhouettes against the sun.

The phenomena only occurs when the orbit of Venus synchs with Earth's orbit at one of only two points where both orbits align with the Sun.

As with an eclipse it is important not to look directly at the sun to see the phenomenon.  Eclipse viewing glasses or a homemade eclipse viewer, or simply looking at the shape of the sun projected through the shadows are the best way to view from home.

It will be another 105 years before Earth’s fiery little sister casts her shadow on the solar surface for dwellers on this planet to see

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Griffith Park Observatory will also be hosting a public viewing from noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday, although the transit of Venus will occur from 3:06 p.m. - 8:02 p.m. according to their web site. Free telescopes will be provided, and viewing filters and eclipse glasses will be available for purchase in the gift shop.

There will also be a live webcast of Venus in Transit from the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii starting at 3 p.m.

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For more on the phenomenon, including ideas on where to view it, check out our .


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