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Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory to host public viewing of extremely rare celestial event
5/25/2004
9:45 am
 Dyer Observatory NASHVILLE, Tenn. - In the morning hours of June 8, visitors to Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory will witness an astronomical event that no living person has ever seen. Venus-the Earth's sister planet-will move directly between the Earth and the sun. The public is invited to view this rare event during a live broadcast at the observatory. Beginning at 11 p.m. on June 7, astronomers from Fisk and Vanderbilt universities will be on hand to discuss the historical significance of this event, which last occurred in 1882. Over approximately the next seven hours, the tiny black dot of the planet Venus will be visible as it cuts a slow left-to-right diagonal path across the disc of the sun. "This is a unique opportunity to witness a natural event of such
rarity and historical importance," said Keivan Stassun, assistant
professor of astronomy at Vanderbilt University. "Even 'blue moons'
occur more often than this!" The transit occurs four times in every 243 years. There are two December transits, eight years apart, and 121.5 years later there are two June transits, also eight years apart. The cycle begins again after another 105.5 years. The next Venus transit will occur in June 2012, allowing many to be lucky enough to witness this rare event twice in one lifetime. Following that, the next transit will not occur until 2117. The live broadcast allows safe viewing of the Venus transit from the observatory. Because of the hazard of serious eye damage, the sun should not be looked at directly; proper eye protection is needed. Dyer Observatory is one of Middle Tennessee's most unique venues for
public, private and corporate events. Each year, Dyer hosts thousands
of visitors through school tours, observation nights, scout events and
other community programs. Media contact: Melanie Catania, (615) 322-NEWS |
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