New
#1
A couple of Astronomical treats for the first week of June, 2012
~~~ First ~~~
On Monday June 4th a Partial Eclipse of the Strawberry Moon:
For a better look at the coverage map, times: NASA - Eclipses During 2012, click on map to enlarge.On June 4th, 2012, there's going to be a full Moon. According to Native American folklore it’s the Strawberry Moon, so-called because the short season for harvesting strawberries comes during the month of June. This Strawberry’s going to have a bite taken out of it.
Source: Partial Eclipse of the Strawberry Moon - NASA Science
~~~ Next ~~~
On Tuesday June 5th, The 2012 Transit of Venus
On June 5th, 2012, Venus will pass across the face of the sun, producing a silhouette that no one alive today will likely see again. Transits of Venus are very rare, coming in pairs separated by more than a hundred years. This June's transit, the bookend of a 2004-2012 pair, won't be repeated until the year 2117. Fortunately, the event is widely visible. Observers on seven continents, even a sliver of Antarctica, will be in position to see it.
Source: The 2012 Transit of Venus - NASA ScienceOn the first transit in 2004 I used both observing techniques with good success.WarningDo not stare at the sun. Venus covers too little of the solar disk to block the blinding glare. Instead, use some type of projection technique or a solar filter. A #14 welder's glass is a good choice.
Source: The 2012 Transit of Venus - NASA Science
Coverage map, times, history: NASA - 2012 Transit of Venus
Last edited by Anak; 05 Jun 2012 at 08:31. Reason: typos