06 June 2012
The Venus transit of 6 June 2012
The image, taken in the early morning of 6 June 2012, shows the planet Venus crossing in front of the Sun. Venus is visible as dark round dot, near the upper limb of the Sun. There are also several dark patches on the surface of the Sun, regions of relatively lower temperatures, known as sunspots. The image was taken through a special filter.
Photo by Aymen Ibrahem, Senior Astronomy Specialist
On Wednesday, 6 June 2012, Venus, Earth’s Twin Planet, passed directly between Earth and the Sun. This is a very rare astronomical phenomenon, known as the transit of Venus. The event was visible worldwide, in all continents. In Egypt, the Sun rose while the transit was in progress. Thousands of astronomers and skywatchers, around the world, enjoyed observing and imaging a black round dot, creeping across the face of the Sun.
The PSC organized the Venus Transit 2012 festivity, a public observing session, to observe and document the celestial wonder. Many of the participants were youngsters. They started to arrive at Library’s Plaza, shortly before sunrise. They were most excited by the last few moments of the transit, the last of its type in the 21st century.
Caution: Never look at the Sun with your eyes or through optical aids. The Sun can be observed only through special instruments. Observe the Sun only under the supervision of astronomy specialists.
References
NASA Eclipse Web Site
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse.html
Wikipedia
Aymen Mohamed Ibrahem
Senior Astronomy Specialist