This diagram shows a simulated view of the black disk of Venus against the backdrop of the Sun during the Venus transit of June 2004. The yellow arrows show the path of Venus across the face of the Sun throughout the course of the transit. Click on image for full size (38K JPEG) This picture is original Windows to the Universe artwork created by Randy Russell. The image of the Sun is courtesy SOHO (ESA & NASA); information on the apparent size and path of Venus courtesy Fred Espenak, NASA's GSFC.

A rare astronomical event will occur in early June 2004. For the first time since 1882, Earthlings will be able to view a transit of the planet Venus. "Transit" is a term used by astronomers when a planet passes directly between Earth and the Sun. A transit is somewhat similar to a total solar eclipse, when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun.

This Venus transit will occur on June 8, 2004. There will be another transit of Venus in 2012. If you miss that one you will have to wait more than a century for the next opportunity!

During the transit, observers will see a small black dot slowly creep across the face of the Sun. The dot, Venus, will take about six hours to complete the transit. Remember, it is never safe to directly view the Sun. For tips on how to safely view the transit and what can be seen from where you live, check out this NASA web site.

This picture shows what the Venus transit in 2004 may look like. The big black dot near the bottom is Venus. The yellow arrows show how Venus will move during the transit. Click on image for full size (38K JPEG) This picture is original Windows to the Universe artwork created by Randy Russell. The image of the Sun is courtesy SOHO (ESA & NASA); information on the apparent size and path of Venus courtesy Fred Espenak, NASA's GSFC.

Astronomers are excited about a rare event that will happen in early June 2004. There will be a transit of the planet Venus on June 8, 2004. "Transit" is a word used by astronomers when a planet moves between Earth and the Sun. A transit is a bit like an eclipse of the Sun, when the Moon moves between Earth and the Sun.

This Venus transit will be the first one anyone alive today has seen. The last transit of Venus was in 1882! There will be another Venus transit in 2012.

This NASA web site has lots of great info about the transit. Remember, it is never safe to look directly at the Sun!

This picture shows what a transit of Venus might look like. The big black dot near the bottom is Venus. The yellow arrows show how Venus will move during the transit in 2004. Click on image for full size (38K JPEG) This picture is original Windows to the Universe artwork created by Randy Russell. The image of the Sun is courtesy SOHO (ESA & NASA); information on the apparent size and path of Venus courtesy Fred Espenak, NASA's GSFC.

Sometimes planets go in between Earth and the Sun. When that happens astronomers call it a "transit". On June 8, 2004, the planet Venus will move between Earth and the Sun. There will be a transit of Venus!

A transit is a bit like an eclipse of the Sun. There hasn't been a transit of Venus in more than 100 years! The last one was in the year 1882.

Remember, it is never safe to look directly at the Sun. This NASA web site tells you how to safely watch the transit. It also has lots of good info about Venus transits.