In my morning mail
Additional Information about watching the
TRANSIT OF VENUS
on Tuesday evening
from Faith Thompson of the
Mohawk Valley Astronomical Society
(Owners of the telescope soon to be located in the new Observatory
at the Waterville Public Library.)
(May 28, 2012, Clinton, NY) – The Mohawk Valley Astronomical Society (MVAS) is hosting free public observing as the planet Venus transits across the Sun on Tuesday, June 5, 2012. The local astronomy club will setup a variety of specialized safe “solar” telescopes on the basketball court at Sherrill Brook Park, Rt. 12 South, New Hartford, NY from 6:00 PM until 8:40 PM.
The public will be able to see Venus as its orbit takes it directly between the Sun and Earth. Venus’ night side will appear black as it slowly crosses the bright face of the Sun, first becoming visible about 6:04 PM.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Faith Thompson, the MVAS Observing Coordinator. “The June 5 transit is a rare event; the next transit of Venus across the Sun will not occur again for another 105 years – December 11, 2117.”
MVAS members will provide telescopes at Sherrill Brook Park that are high quality, specialized equipment with filters designed specifically for safe viewing of the Sun.
The public will be able to see Venus as its orbit takes it directly between the Sun and Earth. Venus’ night side will appear black as it slowly crosses the bright face of the Sun, first becoming visible about 6:04 PM.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Faith Thompson, the MVAS Observing Coordinator. “The June 5 transit is a rare event; the next transit of Venus across the Sun will not occur again for another 105 years – December 11, 2117.”
MVAS members will provide telescopes at Sherrill Brook Park that are high quality, specialized equipment with filters designed specifically for safe viewing of the Sun.
“Never look directly at the Sun. Do NOT use dark sunglasses, binoculars, or a telescope that is not equipped with a special solar filter as it is very dangerous and will result in irreparable eye damage,” said Thompson.
The Sun has been very active recently with large sunspots and prominences. The MVAS telescopes will provide a highly defined and unique view of surface details on the Sun as well. The club members invite everyone to participate in this exciting event.
The Sun has been very active recently with large sunspots and prominences. The MVAS telescopes will provide a highly defined and unique view of surface details on the Sun as well. The club members invite everyone to participate in this exciting event.
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The Mohawk Valley Astronomical Society (MVAS) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1989. The members are an enthusiastic group of over 70 local amateur astronomers with varying degrees of knowledge and interests. The mission of the organization is to advance the study, understanding, and appreciation of astronomy among its members, and encourage the public's awareness of matters related to astronomy.
MVAS holds a monthly meeting featuring a presentation about a current astronomy-related topic which is free and open to the public. Throughout the year the astronomy club hosts numerous public observing events and educational presentations at various venues including schools and parks. The MVAS observatory houses a research-grade 16” Meade LX-200 telescope with a full range of accessories, and a library with over 900 books, atlases, reference guides, and media items. MVAS web site: www.mvas-ny.org
(Thank you, Faith!)
