During the daytime of June 6, a rare phenomenon called the transit of Venus will occur. This will be seen across Australia, weather permitting.
You can see Venus travelling across the face of the Sun for about six and half hours, starting about 8.15am and ending about 2.45pm on Wednesday, June 6.
The Port Macquarie Astronomical Observatory (Rotary Park, Stewart Street) will be open to the public for the whole of the day for the public to witness the Transit of Venus for themselves.
Weather permitting, any visitors will have the opportunity to see the event through the specially filtered telescopes. No booking will be necessary.
Entry fees will include the use of a pair of eclipse glasses. Costs are: Adults $8, Children (5-12) $5, Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) $22, Concession (Pension or Student) $7, with children under five free.
The transit of Venus occurs when Venus passes directly between the Earth and the Sun so that, as seen from the Earth, Venus appears to pass across the surface of the Sun.
When the Sun, Venus and Earth are perfectly aligned, the Sun will be eclipsed by Venus.
But, unlike a solar eclipse by the Moon, the Venus will not eclipse the entire Sun because it is much further and appears much smaller than the Moon.
What we will see is Venus slowly crossing the face of the Sun as it overtakes the Earth.
Since first recognised in 1639, it has occurred six times; in 1761, 1769, 1874, 1882, and the most recent in 2004.
The next event occurs in 2117 followed by another in 2125, eight years later. So, if you miss this year’s event, you will have to wait for 105 years; literally, this will be your once-in-your-lifetime experience.
