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Astronomy lectures spotlight rare astronomical event on June 5

Lectures on May 18, May 25, and June 1 will explain the scientific and historical significance of the transit of Venus

May 12, 2012

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transit of venus
This image from NASA's sun-observing TRACE spacecraft shows the June 8, 2004, transit of Venus. Venus transits occur in pairs eight years apart, separated by long gaps of over 100 years. After the transit on June 5, there will not be another until 2117. Image credit: NASA/LMSAL
three speakers for lecture series
The lecture series features Francis Nimmo, Adriane Steinacker, and Graeme Smith discussing different aspects of the transit of Venus. Photo courtesy of Greg Laughlin.
1887 transit
This photo taken at Lick Observatory during the 1887 event shows Venus in transit across the sun. Photo courtesy of Greg Laughlin.

On the afternoon of June 5, 2012, the planet Venus will pass in front of the sun as seen from Earth, an extremely rare event that will not happen again until December 2117. Known as the transit of Venus, this event will be the subject of a series of Friday lectures at UC Santa Cruz by faculty in astronomy and planetary science.

These free public lectures will take place on May 18, May 25, and June 1 at 7 p.m. in the Media Theater on the UCSC campus.

May 18, "Venus Transits through History"  Adriane Steinacker, lecturer in astronomy and physics

May 25, "Venus in the Space Age"  Graeme Smith, professor of astronomy and astrophysics

June 1, "Why isn't Venus more like Earth?"  Francis Nimmo, professor of Earth and planetary sciences

The lectures, sponsored by the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, will explain the scientific and historical significance of the transit of Venus.

For more information or for disability-related needs, please call (831) 459-3581.

There will also be a public viewing of the transit itself on Tuesday, June 5, starting at 3 p.m. Telescopes equipped with the proper filters to allow for safe viewing of the sun will be set up next to the Porter Wave sculpture at Porter College.

Lick Observatory will also be hosting a public viewing of the transit of Venus on June 5 from 2 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, go to ucolick.org/public/transitofvenus.html.