In a rare astrological event, Venus will pass or “transit” directly in front of the sun Tuesday, June 5.
Lynn and Steve Capling will set up their solar telescopes at the Scout Island picnic grounds between 5 p.m. and sunset for people who don’t have telescopes to view the event.
Dan Hicks, another local astronomer, says that according to Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s observer’s handbook Venus will first contact the sun’s upper eastern edge (left) at 3:06 p.m. and will be closest to the sun’s centre at 6:25 p.m. and will reach the sun’s upper western edge (right) at 9:31 p.m.
He says Venus will not transit the sun again until 2117. He advises people not to look directly at the sun without a #14 welder’s filter.