On June 5, 2012, the planet Venus will pass in front of the Sun for observers on Earth. This very rare event, called a transit, occurs when the Earth, Venus and the Sun line up “just right” for observers on Earth so that Venus slowly moves across the Sun’s disk. This rare cosmic event will not be seen again until the year 2117.
Astronomers at the University of Manitoba are inviting the public to the Fort Garry Campus on June 5 to view the Transit of Venus, joining millions of people around the world turning their gaze toward the Sun. The schedule for the transit viewing event is on the next page.
WARNING: Direct viewing of the Sun without proper eye protection can result in severe eye damage. Special viewing glasses will be distributed for safe observing at the University of Manitoba event.
All events are located at University College on the Fort Garry campus of the University of Manitoba. Parking is free on campus after 4:30 pm; Parking Lot B is recommended, in any row not marked "Reserved 24 Hours." Metered parking is available before 4:30 pm.
Visit the University of Manitoba Transit of Venus website:
http://www.physics.umanitoba.ca/~matheson/transitofvenus.html
Additional information on the transit of Venus is available at:
http://venustransit.nasa.gov
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/OH/transit12.html
http://www.rasc.ca/transit-venus
Schedule of Events
Tuesday June 5, 2012
Rain or Shine
All times are in CDT, local time for Winnipeg
Time: 3:30 - 4:15 pm
Introductory Talk: The Transit of Venus & the Quest for Life,
by Dr. Jayanne English, physics and astronomy, University of Manitoba
Location: 240 University College, Fort Garry Campus
Time: 5:04 pm
Transit of Venus Begins
Time: 4:30 - 8:00 pm
If skies are clear, there will be solar observing
with telescopes, eclipse glasses and projection
Location: Ewen Observatory, University College
Time: 4:30 - 8:00 pm
Live video feed from Ewen Observatory & other locations around the world
Location: Lockhart Planetarium, 394 University College
NOTE: Observations at the Ewen Observatory are weather dependent.
Other activities will proceed regardless of weather.
