Mangalore: Treat for Skygazers - Rare Celestial Event on June 6

Dr AP Bhat
 
Mangalore, Jun 5: Venus transit, a rare celestial event wherein planet Venus passes in front of the sun, will take place on Wednesday June 6.

One can view this phenomenon by reflecting the Sun onto a wall with the help of a mirror. A dark spot will appear in the reflection of the sun. It is suggested strictly not to watch the Sun directly. This rare celestial event will occur again only after 105 years, on December 11, 2117.

The transit will begin at 3.40 am and end at 10.20 am IST.

One can watch the event as shown in the picture at around 7 am. This can be viewed by all at home. A miniature eclipse occures when Venus, the Earth and the Sun position on a straight line and Venus marches across the face of the Sun.
 
In the case of solar eclipse, there is complete darkness caused by the moon. Here the size of the Venus and the distance from the Earth is varied. The moon is a mere 3,84,000 km away from the Earth, while planet Venus is 4 crore km far from the earth. (It is 11 crore km away from the Sun).

One should not watch the Sun with naked eyes and special glasses should be used. For the glasses and for more information, one may conect Dr A P Bhat (9448309077) or Dinesh Shettigar (9449045697).