Transit of Venus
June 5, 2012
A Once in a Lifetime Event

A transit occurs when one astronomical body passes in front of another (most familiar are solar eclipses, where the Moon passes in front of the Sun). The huge distances between objects in our solar system make these events rare.

On June 5, 2012, Venus will transit in front of the Sun for observers on Earth. This very rare event, not to be seen again until the year 2117, occurs when the Earth, Venus, and the Sun line up just right for observers on Earth to see Venus pass across the face of the Sun.

Join astronomers at the University of Manitoba on June 5 to view the transit as millions of people around the world turn their gaze toward the Sun.

Some information on the transit of Venus is located at venustransit.nasa.gov, eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/OH/transit12.html, www.rasc.ca/transit-venus, and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transit_of_Venus.

WARNING: Direct viewing of the Sun without proper eye protection can result in severe eye damage.
Eclipse glasses will be distributed for safe solar viewing.

Schedule of Events
Tuesday June 5, 2012

All times are in CDT, local time for Winnipeg

3:30 - 4:15 pm
Rain or shine
 Introduction Talk: The Transit of Venus & the Quest for Life
Dr. Jayanne English, Associate Professor, Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Manitoba
240 University College
5:04 pm
 Transit of Venus Begins
4:30 - 8:00 pm
If skies are clear
 Solar observing with telescopes, eclipse glasses, and projection
Ewen Observatory
University College
use north stairwell & follow the signs
4:30 - 8:00 pm
Rain or shine
 Live video feed from Ewen Observatory & other locations
Lockhart Planetarium
394 University College
NOTE: Observations at the Ewen Observatory are weather dependent. Other activities will proceed regardless of weather.
All events are located at University College (building #2 on this map) on the Fort Garry campus of the University of Manitoba. Parking is free on campus after 4:30 pm (B lot recommended) in any row not marked "reserved 24 hours" (click for map). Meter parking available before 4:30.
Can't make it to the University of Manitoba? The Winnipeg Centre of the RASC (Royal Astronomical Society of Canada) is hosting an observing event at Assiniboine Park, at site #15 near the baseball diamonds, 4:00 - 9:30 pm. Details available here.
Video from the University of Manitoba
will begin broadcasting at 4:30 p.m. CDT, June 5, 2012

Watch live streaming video from uofmtransitvenus at livestream.com

Questions? Contact matheson at physics dot umanitoba dot ca.